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Jamal Collier, ESPN
INDIANAPOLIS — With the Bucks already missing their top two scorers Sunday night against the Pacers, Milwaukee forward Bobby Portis was ejected early in the 126-113 loss in Game 4 after a scuffle with Indiana guard Andrew Nembhard.
Portis received a double technical foul for what officials called two hostile acts following a play in which he got tangled with Nembhard trying to gain positioning for a rebound with 5:01 remaining in the first quarter.
After Nembhard pushed Portis’ arm away, Portis shoved him back then made contact with Nembhard’s head.
It was Portis’ first career ejection in a playoff game. He played seven minutes and scored four points on 2-of-4 shooting.
The Bucks were planning to lean more on Portis with Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and Damian Lillard (Achilles injury) both out Sunday.
It marked the 13th time a team has played a playoff game without its top two scorers from the regular season, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. The record for those previous teams is 0-12.
The Pacers lead the best-of-seven series 3-1. Game 5 is Tuesday in Milwaukee.