CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t play for the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night against Charlotte as he deals with a knee issue, but is expected to return for the rematch with the Hornets on Friday night in Milwaukee.

The Bucks announced Wednesday that the two-time league MVP wouldn’t be available because of left knee patellar tendinopathy.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers said this was a game the team had pegged as a potential rest day with the Bucks in the midst of playing five games in seven days.

“It's just a lot,” Rivers said. “We looked at this before it all started and this was the game that if we were going to sit him. ... just because it is right in the middle and gives him four days off.”

Rivers anticipates Antetokounmpo being able to play in the NBA Cup game on Friday ni

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