Bucks Waive Kevin Porter Jr.: Week 1 Survivor Pick Impact

Bucks cut their assist leader before tip-off

Milwaukee waived guard Kevin Porter Jr. on Monday, parting with a player who led the team in assists per game and finished second in scoring last season. That's not a minor rotation tweak — it's a lead ballhandler and secondary scorer gone days before the season opener.

What it means for your survivor pick

Losing your top passer and No. 2 scorer right before Week 1 adds real uncertainty to Milwaukee, and the schedule doesn't do the Bucks any favors. They open on the road at Washington, where the Wizards are actually favored by 4.5 — so picking Milwaukee there means backing a road underdog with a reshuffled backcourt. That's exactly the kind of game survivor players should steer clear of.

The better spots on Milwaukee's slate come later: a home date with Chicago and a visit from Indiana in Week 2, both without a posted line yet. Until we see how the offense reorganizes without Porter running the show, treat the Bucks as a wait-and-see team rather than a confident play. If you need a Week 1 answer now, lean on cleaner matchups and keep Milwaukee in your back pocket — check the latest NBA knockout pool picks before you lock anything in, or start a free survivor pool if you're still getting a group together.