As long as the Milwaukee Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo, they expect to be able to compete for titles. They are hoping to have him for a long time, especially after re-signing him last season to an extension that runs through the end of the 2027-28 season. He's almost guaranteed to get an extension before that as well.

While there was initial disappointment, it has turned into gratefulness over an unexpected chance to spend time with family on the holiday.

The Bucks are having a hard time understanding why on Wednesday they won’t be one of the 10 teams playing on Christmas Day — viewed as one of the NBA’s signature days on the league