Bucks star Portis Jr suspended for 25 games for failing drugs test

Bobby Portis Jr won the NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021

Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr has been suspended for 25 games without pay by the NBA for failing a drugs test.

The NBA confirmed the 30-year-old has tested positive for the painkiller Tramadol, which is a banned substance.

Portis Jr's suspension begins when the Bucks host fellow play-off hopefuls the LA Clippers on Thursday at 20:00 local time.

He will be unavailable until 8 April, when the Bucks face Minnesota Timberwolves in the 79th match of their 82-game regular season.

"I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation," said Portis Jr.

"During that time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill that is not approved. I feel horrible and recognise that I'm responsible for what I put in my body.

"From the bottom of my heart, I want to apologize to the Bucks organisation, my team-mates, coaches, family, and fans."

Portis Jr, who won the NBA championship with the Bucks in 2021, had been averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game across 46 appearances this season.

The Bucks currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.

"This is a very difficult set of circumstances for Bobby and our team," added Bucks general manager Jon Horst.

"He and the Bucks respect the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program and will accept what's been handed down. But we 100% support Bobby."

Tramadol was added to the 2024 list of prohibited drugs by the World Anti-Doping Agency after research found it had the potential to enhance sports performance.