After shining in game three of the preseason against the Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner was a late scratch versus the Thunder on Tuesday, replaced in the starting lineup by Bobby Portis. Fortunately, Doc Rivers clarified that Turner’s injury isn’t anything serious. Hearing that, fans can breathe a massive sigh of relief.
Turner’s absence seemingly a precaution, not symptom of setback
Via Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Rivers said Turner sat out due to mild calf soreness and fully expects him to suit up for opening night on October 22.
After the game, Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Myles Turner “just had a little calf soreness, nothing urgent or anything.”
Rivers said he didn’t have any concerns about Turner being available for the season opener next week. https://t.co/PMLgnoVkVn
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) October 15, 2025
Whew. Anyone who has followed the Bucks knows all too well how injuries have undermined them in seasons past. Missing a key starter to open the season would be yet another instance of starting off on the wrong foot.
Not just any starter, either – Turner is the guy the front office wanted so badly that they waived and stretched Damian Lillard for a historic sum. In exchange for clearing cap space to sign Turner, the Bucks will pay Lillard $113 million over the next five years just not to play.
Sep 29, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) poses for a picture during Milwaukee Bucks Media Day at the Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
As an interior defender and floor spacing five in the mold of prime Brook Lopez, Turner is also integral to the new vision of this Milwaukee roster. The Bucks mortgaged their financial future to get him. Fans are heavily invested in Turner as their new starting center. Turner himself has expressed excitement about taking the court with his new teammates. Even in the short term, losing the Bucks’ gem of the offseason, a defensive anchor and secondary scorer, would be hard to stomach.
Although Turner attempted only 12 field goals in three games, the early returns on his addition to the roster have been promising. He went 5-8 from three versus Chicago for 19 points in 24 minutes. He blocked a shot or two and got to the free-throw line in every game and showcased surprising litheness on both sides of the ball for a man of his size. As a near seven-footer, he has a pretty smooth handle.
Oct 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) gestures to a teammate in the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Make what you will of the preseason and practice clips, Turner’s Bulls game supplied enough of a tease to justify the hype. Rivers’ comments suggest that fans won’t have to wait to see him in action during real games.
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