Less than 24 hours from now, the Milwaukee Bucks tip off the season against Khris Middleton and the Wizards. The excitement is hard to contain. And, unlike in years past, the Bucks won’t have a bunch of creaky old joints – all due respect to Khris and Brook Lopez, who was remarkably durable – to worry about. In fact, the injury report is blemish free, reports Eric Nem of the Athletic.
The Bucks injury report for the season opener vs. the Wizards on Oct. 22:
It’s clean. All their players will be available.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) October 21, 2025
For a team that dealt with injury, illness, and other assorted ailments seemingly from start to finish last year, that is more of a relief than it should be. It could also be a harbinger of better health and availability on a younger, more athletic roster in 2025-26.
Healthy Bucks could surprise their skeptics
At least two members of the Bucks’ starting lineup managed minor issues in the preseason. Giannis Antetokounmpo had to get through a case of COVID-19, while Myles Turner dealt with calf soreness that kept him out of a game.
Oct 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) takes a shot against Detroit Pistons forward Bobi Klintman (34) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Cole Anthony, Garry Harris, Kyle Kuzma all worked through their own issues. Ryan Rollins spent most of the summer recovering from post-season shoulder surgery. During the preseason he was still settling into rhythm, growing comfortable in a slightly limited range of motion.
None of it will carry over to opening night. And that is fantastic news.
The lineup itself is quietly exciting. It’s easy to gloss over the names and ask, Who? Who? Who? Why is Kevin Porter Jr. the starting point guard?
But the prevailing sentiment around the team, one spurred on by Doc Rivers’ confidence in his players, is one of at least tentative enthusiasm. A starting five of Porter, AJ Green, Gary Trent Jr., Giannis, and Turner may not turn many heads, but as long as Giannis stays healthy, that group should have a solid floor and a sneaky ceiling.
Apr 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrate as the clock winds down in their 110-103 comeback victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Each of the guards – three, really, with Trent playing as a small-ball three – has a chance for some degree of a breakout season. The Bucks might not get it, but they’re hoping for something of a defensive resurgence from Turner. Anyway, he’s better than a 37-year-old Brook Lopez.
Giannis is an MVP candidate. Losing Damian Lillard should also hurt a lot less than some people might think. He had a negative on-off rating last year. Everyone knows he was a defensive liability, but for the first time in his career Lillard did not earn a positive rating even on offense.
Plus, the bench is actually good – Bobby Portis, Rollins, Anthony, Taurean Prince, Kyle Kuzma, Amir Coffey. Not bad going six-deep on the bench, with Andre Jackson Jr. and Jericho Sims bringing up the back end. Only the 82-game season will tell whether and how much of this homerish excitement is misplaced.
Oct 28, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) celebrates with fans after scoring a basket in the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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