Anfernee Simons scored 31 points and the Portland Trail Blazers capitalized on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 122-107 for their third straight victory. Simons has averaged 30 points and has shot 18 of 39 from 3-point range during Portland's run. Antetokounmpo didn’t play for the Bucks due to a sore left ankle. Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said before the game he believes it’s a short-term issue. Josh Hart scored 27 points and Jusuf Nurkic had 23 points and 16 rebounds for Portland.
Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst believes this might be the deepest team he’s had heading into the stretch run of a regular season. But that won’t stop the defending champions from seeking more help to fill the open roster spots created when they traded three players to land veteran center Serge Ibaka last week. The Bucks sent guard Donte DiVincenzo to the Sacramento Kings and dealt forwards Rodney Hood and Semi Ojeleye to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the four-team trade that brought them Ibaka. Now they’re waiting to see what veterans become available on the buyout market.