With chance to clinch division, Bucks’ Antetokounmpo sidelined again

Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss his second straight game with a sprained right ankle, one of several injuries to hit the Bucks in recent days.

A leading MVP contender, Antetokounmpo will sit out Wednesday night’s game against the Cavaliers as the Eastern Conference-leading Bucks try to clinch their first Central Division title since 2001. He also rested Tuesday night when the Bucks beat the Los Angeles Lakers, who were without LeBron James.

Coach Mike Budenholzer said Antetokounmpo is still slowed by soreness and the team is being “smart” and “cautious” with its best player. Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.5 points, 12.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists.

In the past few days, the Bucks have been rocked by injuries to starting guard Malcolm Brogdon (plantar fascia tear) and forward Nikola Mirotic (sprained thumb).

The Bucks did not provide a timetable for Mirotic’s return, but Budenholzer hopes he’ll be back in time for the start of the playoffs.