Giannis Antetokounmpo back in starting lineup after unexplained DNP-CD

It doesn't look as if an explanation will ever be given for Giannis Antetokounmpo's unexpected DNP-CD from Wednesday.

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd explained Antetokounmpo's benching as a coaching decision, noting that change is always healthy. The actual reasons remain unclear, but context clues point to Kidd sending his sophomore a bit of a message ahead of his first playoff exposure.

Antetokounmpo will return to the starting lineup Friday as the Bucks take on the New York Knicks, so it will be two games in a row in which Antetokounmpo hasn't played against NBA competition.

In 77 games, The Greek Freak has taken a major step forward, averaging 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 blocks while shooting 49.7 percent from the floor. But in his last 20 games, the Bucks have gone 6-14 despite Antetokounmpo's numbers improving, suggesting it may be the defensive end where Kidd is unhappy - the team is 2.3 points per-100 possessions better on that end when Antetokounmpo hits the bench.