The NBA’s Christmas Day schedule has always been a highlight for basketball fans, with marquee matchups and superstar showdowns defining the holiday season. This year, five games are set to light up the day, but the Milwaukee Bucks are noticeably absent from the lineup.
In recent years, the Bucks have been a staple of Christmas Day games. However, this year’s omission has sparked outrage, particularly from the team’s leader, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP didn’t hold back his criticism of the league’s decision, questioning the logic behind leaving Milwaukee off the schedule.
“There’s gotta be an algorithm because if it’s—how can I say—like a popularity contest, I can give you facts. You want me to? Two of the NBA All-Star starters, Dame and Giannis, and the All-Star MVP, right? And the No. 1 vote-getter—not in the East, in the whole NBA—is not in the Christmas game? What? No, it’s a fact,” Antetokounmpo said.
Giannis Antetokounmpo calls out the NBA for not scheduling him, Damian Lillard, and the Bucks to play on Christmas Day
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 23, 2024
“There’s gotta be an algorithm because if it’s — how can I say — like a popularity contest, I can give you facts. You want me to? Two of the NBA All-Star… pic.twitter.com/iWGUVvrQJm
“We don’t get a Christmas game. Why? Because we got a small market? Maybe that’s the case. Or I want to believe what I tell you; I think there’s an algorithm within the NBA that they choose which team will get the most attention, the most viewership that day,” he added.
Bucks Dominate Bulls Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Absence
The Milwaukee Bucks secured a commanding 112-91 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday despite being without their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo missed the game due to back spasms. After securing the NBA Cup, it marked his second consecutive absence with the injury.
Ahead of the matchup, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers provided an update on Giannis’ status. Rivers emphasized the team’s cautious approach regarding their star player. “He just had to feel better, and he didn’t, so we just sat him down,” Rivers explained.
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This marks the fourth game Antetokounmpo has missed this season. Despite these setbacks, he has been a dominant force for Milwaukee, averaging 32.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game.
Also Read: Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Drops A Major Truth Bomb On His Post-Retirement Plans
