Giannis Antetokounmpo powered the Milwaukee Bucks through plenty of tight spots. However, tonight, the team hits the floor without its MVP anchor. The matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers was going to be a grind, and now the Bucks must navigate it without the very force that drives their pace.

The timing’s a lot tougher. The Sixers have their own injury concerns, but Milwaukee’s challenge is far steeper. Losing a player who controls both ends of the floor changes everything, be it rotation patterns or who takes the final shot. And all of this hits when Antetokounmpo’s name is still floating in trade chatter, with three Western Conference teams interested in him.

As of Dec. 5, team officials have ruled Antetokounmpo out due to a right calf strain suffered early in Wednesday’s game against

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