Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby
Portis Jr. has been suspended without pay for 25 games following a
violation of the NBA’s anti-drug policy, according to NBA reporter
Chris Haynes. 

The suspension, announced on
February 20, 2025, comes after Portis tested positive for Tramadol,
a painkiller recently added to the league’s list of banned
substances. The suspension commenced with the Bucks’ game against
the Los Angeles Clippers and will sideline Portis until at least
April 8, 2025. 

Portis and his agent, Mark
Bartelstein, have stated that the ingestion of Tramadol was
unintentional. According to Bartelstein in a released statement,
Portis mistakenly took Tramadol, believing it to be Toradol, an
approved pain medication. Bartelstein emphasized Portis’s integrity
and professionalism, describing the incident as an “honest
mistake.”

The suspension carries
significant financial implications for Portis and the Bucks. Portis
will forfeit approximately $2.85 million in salary, equating to
$114,348 per game. Additionally, the Bucks are unable to sign a
replacement player until the sixth game of the
suspension. 

ANALYSIS: Despite the setback,
the Bucks secured a 104-101 victory over the Washington Wizards on
February 22, 2025. The team was also without Damian Lillard, who
was rested for the game. Brook Lopez and Kyle Kuzma stepped up,
contributing 18 and 19 points respectively, to lead the team to a
hard-fought win. 

Portis, a key contributor to the
Bucks’ 2021 championship team, is averaging 13.7 points and 8.3
rebounds per game this season. His absence poses a challenge for
the Bucks as they navigate the remainder of the regular season and
prepare for the playoffs. 

All eyes will now be on Kyle
Kuzma, who was acquired at the trade deadline. Kuzma is a 6-foot-9
forward who can play with Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo,
and with Portis’ absence, Kuzma’s role will increase from here on
out as the Bucks prepare for the playoffs.