NBA suspends Bucks’ Portis 25 games for violating league's anti-drug policy
Milwaukee will be without one of its key players for nearly the rest of the regular season as it chases a play-off berth.
The NBA has suspended Milwaukee Bucks big man Bobby Portis for 25 games for violating the league's anti-drug policy.
The Bucks said Portis' suspension was due to a positive test for Tramadol.
It is a big loss for Milwaukee, which has 29 games left in the regular season and sits in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a 29-24 record.
The veteran Portis has appeared in 46 games, including seven starts, during his 10th NBA season and is averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds.
Bobby Portis Jr. has been suspended for 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for Tramadol, the league announced today.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 20, 2025
Portis Jr.’s suspension will begin with tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Portis’ minutes had increased recently with Giannis Antetokounmpo sitting out the Bucks’ final six games before the All-Star break due to a left calf strain.
Portis appeared in the last five of those contests, making a pair of starts, and averaged 16.4 points, 11.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists.
Milwaukee did acquire fellow power forward Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards at the NBA trade deadline, and he averaged 17.7 points, nine rebounds and three assists in three consecutive starts prior to the break.
Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, is questionable to play Thursday when the Bucks return to action and host the Los Angeles Clippers.