Giannis Antetokounmpo is out against Cavs with a right adductor strain

CLEVELAND – Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss Monday night's game against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers because of an adductor strain, another early-season hiccup for the struggling Bucks.

Coach Doc Rivers said Antetokounmpo went through a morning shootout before the team decided to give him the evening off. Rivers said he had already decided to name the two-time NBA MVP before the medical staff expressed their opinion.

Rivers said it's not certain when Milwaukee's best player was injured. He noted that Antetokounmpo hates missing a game, especially when the Bucks got off to a shaky start. Milwaukee has lost five straight.

“I had decided in my head that he shouldn't play tonight when they told me he was sore (Saturday),” Rivers said. “I was happy when they said – not happy because you want him to play – but for his health I think it's the right thing to do.”

Antetokounmpo is averaging 31 points for the Bucks, who are just 1-5 and lost by one point at home to the Cavs on Saturday.

By sitting out, Antetokounmpo will have four days to rest before the Bucks host Utah on Thursday.

The eight-time All-Star had 34 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists against Cleveland, which scored on a last-second jumper from guard Donovan Mitchell for a 114-113 win and improved to 7-0 on the season.

The Cavs' best start was 8-0 in 1976. They will be without starter Dean Wade (illness) and top reserve player Caris LeVert (knee).

Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists last season.

The Bucks will also be without small forward Khris Middleton, who did not play this season after undergoing ankle surgery.