Doc Rivers reveals Giannis Antetokounmpo NBA preseason plan

The Milwaukee Bucks played their first preseason game on Sunday Game against the Detroit Pistons.

Despite taking an early lead, the Bucks lost to the Pistons by a score of 120-87.

Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play in the game.

After practice on Tuesday, head coach Doc Rivers spoke to reporters about Antetokounmpo's preparation plan.

Via Eric Nehm of The Athletic: “Doc Rivers also joked that he didn't know that Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn't normally play in the preseason opener.”

But the plan for Antetokounmpo is to start preseason games against the Lakers on Thursday, and after that they'll start to reinforce him.”

Antetokounmpo is coming off another dominant season, averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per contest in 73 games while shooting 61.1% from the field and 27.4% from three-point range.

However, he was injured during the NBA playoffs for the second consecutive year.

At this stage of his career, Antetokounmpo will only be measured by how his teams perform in the postseason.

Additionally, Rivers begins his first year at the helm of the Bucks.

The Bucks finished last season as the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 49-33.

They lost in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs (in five games) to Pascal Siakam and the Indiana Pacers.

The Bucks will open the new season on October 23rd when they visit Paul George and the Philadelphia 76ers.