The NBA has suspended Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. for 25 games without pay due to a positive test for Tramadol, a painkiller prohibited under league policies. Portis claims he used an NBA-approved medication for an elbow injury but mistakenly took Tramadol instead of the permitted Toradol. His suspension began during the Bucks' recent victory over the Los Angeles Clippers and will keep him from playing until April 8, potentially impacting the Bucks' playoff ambitions.

Portis expressed regret for the situation, acknowledging his responsibility for the substances he consumes. Despite the setback, he aims to return ready for the playoffs. The Bucks' coach, Doc Rivers, criticized the harshness of the penalty, arguing that the circumstances warrant a more lenient response. This season has already been challenging for Portis, who recently dealt with the loss of his grandmother.

Jalen Brunson's heroic return from a shoulder scare led the New York Knicks to a resounding 140-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. After an alarming moment in the third quarter when he clutched his shoulder and exited, Brunson quickly underwent tests and returned to the court, igniting the MSG crowd with a remarkable performance, scoring 44 points on 16-of-26 shooting.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau praised Brunson as a great leader who inspires through action. In a game marked by a strong team effort, the Knicks overcame recent inconsistency, highlighting the urgency in their upcoming schedule against playoff contenders.

The Milwaukee Bucks have made a significant roster adjustment by moving Khris Middleton to the bench before their game against the San Antonio Spurs. This decision comes as Middleton's performance has dwindled, averaging just 12.8 points per game this season, the second-lowest of his career. His struggles seem to stem from ongoing recovery issues following bilateral ankle surgery, which have severely impacted his agility and offensive capabilities.

Following the Spurs game, where he scored only eight points, coach Doc Rivers addressed the decision, indicating that it was necessary to manage Middleton's health as he continues to recuperate. The Bucks have now shifted Taurean Prince into the starting lineup, a move that bolsters their defensive efforts but raises concerns about offensive production. This adjustment places increased pressure on superstar duo Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard to carry the scoring load, as the team looks to maintain its competitive edge in the NBA title race.

The Milwaukee Bucks have decided to bench Khris Middleton, as confirmed by coach Doc Rivers, ahead of their matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Middleton, recovering from double ankle surgery and dealing with ankle tendinitis, missed a recent game against the Toronto Raptors. Rivers emphasized that the decision is health-related rather than performance-based, aiming to improve team continuity.

Middleton has faced significant injury issues since the 2022 playoffs, leading to limited appearances in recent seasons. While he has shown glimpses of his former self by producing solid statistics, the team's performance has not matched expectations, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the current starting lineup.

The Milwaukee Bucks are making a significant change by moving Khris Middleton to the bench as he continues to recover from multiple ankle surgeries and manage his minutes. Coach Doc Rivers explained the decision, which aims to provide better rotation management as Middleton has been on a minutes restriction this season, rarely playing over 30 minutes. This transition allows the Bucks to keep their starting lineup more consistent while permitting Middleton to play crucial minutes with the second unit.

Despite his talents, Middleton's starting presence has coincided with the Bucks' disappointing 3-4 record. The combination of Middleton alongside stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard has struggled, as indicated by their poor net rating. The hope is that by moving him to the bench, Antetokounmpo and Lillard can regain their offensive rhythm, while Middleton can lead a second unit that has been inconsistent.