$49 million Bucks big reveals opposing emotion to Giannis Antetokounmpo's strong message on Christmas Day snub

Earlier this week, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo made his feelings clear about not being on the NBA's Christmas Day slate. While the two-time MVP is frustrated by the situation, one of his teammates has a different take.

On Tuesday, veteran big man Bobby Portis was a guest on FanDuel TV's "Run It Back" show. Among the things brought up was Giannis and his frustrations about not playing on Christmas. When asked if he feels the same way, Portis opened up about being happy about having the holiday off for a change.

"NBA gave us a day off and we gonna take our day off with pride, man," Portis said. "Get to open up some gifts, hopefully I got some presents, hopefully, people got me some gifts."

"[I'm going to] throw my pajamas on, milk and cookies, you know."

Portis did mention that when the schedule was first released, the Bucks were frustrated as a group about not being picked to play on Christmas. Similar to Giannis' recent feelings, they feel it's something they've earned as a perennial top team in the East and a recent NBA champion (2021).

At the start of the season, Milwaukee did not look like a team that should be on the Christmas slate. However, thanks to a dominant stretch from Giannis, they are once again near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

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What did Giannis Antetokounmpo say about the Bucks not playing on Christmas Day?

This year marks the first time in six years that the Milwaukee Bucks don't find themselves playing on Christmas Day. When reflecting on the situation, Giannis Antetokounmpo did not hold back on his true feelings.

Even with their shaky start, the superstar forward feels Milwaukee has notable names that fans want to see play on a big day like Christmas. Because of this, he was openly frustrated with them being snubbed this season.

“There’s gotta be an algorithm because if it’s — how can I say — like a popularity contest, I can give you facts,” Antetokounmpo said. “You want me to? Two of the NBA All-Star starters, Dame (Lillard) and Giannis, and the All-Star MVP, right? And the No. 1 vote-getter — not in the East, in the whole NBA — is not in the Christmas game? What? No, it’s a fact."

The Bucks might not be getting the spotlight on Christmas Day, but they aren't far removed when having all eyes on them. Earlier this month, they became the second-ever winners of the in-season tournament.

As if coming out of the gates slow wasn't motivation enough, it seems Giannis has an added chip on his shoulder moving forward.