Bobby Portis' suspension is over.
The Milwaukee Bucks forward is set to make his return Tuesday night completing a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug program.
His last game was nearly two months ago, on Feb. 12 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the final contest before the All-Star break. Portis' return game also comes against the Timberwolves.
Portis will look to provide his usual energy, a veteran presence and depth to a team still fighting for playoff positioning with four games left.
Here's what to know about his suspension and return to the Bucks:
When is Bobby Portis coming back?
Portis is scheduled to return from his 25-game suspension on Tuesday, April 8.
The Bucks, one game ahead of the Detroit Pistons for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference standings, play host to the Timberwolves at Fiserv Forum after a three-game road trip.
It might take Portis a while to get his legs under him. Portis has been allowed to practice with the team and scrimmage during the suspension, but the 30-year-old has played in just five games since Jan. 23. He missed two weeks of action after the death of his grandmother.
Bobby Portis suspension
Portis, who is in his fifth season with the Bucks and 10th overall in the NBA, was suspended by the league for taking the painkiller, Tramadol.
His agent, Mark Bartelstein, contended that Portis "unintentionally" took a Tramadol pill instead of Toradol, a pain medication approved by the league. Bartelstein said Portis was given the painkiller by one of his own personal assistants who had a prescription.
Portis admitted to taking the drug to treat an injury and apologized to the team.
“I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation," Portis said. "During that time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill that is not approved. I feel horrible and recognize that I’m responsible for what I put in my body."
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and Portis' teammates publicly supported Portis.
