Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma left last night’s game in Toronto with an ankle injury early in the fourth quarter, joining point guard Kevin Porter Jr., injured in the season opener, among Bucks with bum ankles. The team hasn’t provided a timetable for Kuzma return, which will depend on MRI results to determine how bad of a sprain it is.
Prior to the injury, Kuzma was having a solid game: 8 points on 4-5 from the field, a steal, a block, and three rebounds. Most importantly, he was also playing good defense on Toronto’s bevy of larger wings.
Like it or not, Kuzma is probably the Bucks’ best option to guard players of that prototype. Without him, they are vulnerable to mismatches with smaller wings like AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr. – something the Raptors hammered home all game long. It might sound preposterous, but Kuzma’s absence could hurt.
Kuzma has important role vs larger lineups
Doc Rivers recognized the Bucks’ need for size versus the Raptors, closing with Taurean Prince over Green and moving Trent to shooting guard. Had Kuzma been available, there’s a good chance he takes Prince’s spot despite shooting concerns on offense.
Oct 22, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) celebrate a made basket against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
A jumbo lineup like the Raptors’ leaves Rivers little choice. Shooting guard RJ Barrett is 6-foot-6. Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes are around 6-foot-8. Center Jakob Poeltl is seven feet. The Bucks had nowhere to hide Green, who despite his strength and toughness was put in a blender by Barrett and Ingram. Switches, like those matching Green and Ingram, pose a formidable issue in such lineup configurations.
The 6-foot-9 Kuzma has Milwaukee’s best combination of length and quickness to guard larger wings or forwards. Prince is sturdy but slow on his feet, susceptible to blow-bys. Amir Coffey is quicker but doesn’t have Kuzma’s size, strength, or agility.
Now, the Bucks should fare fine against smaller teams. Not every lineup is built like Toronto’s. Featuring both Green and Trent, or plugging in Prince/Coffey as necessary should do the job in those cases.
Mar 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) shoots during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
But Milwaukee will face a similar test Tuesday versus the Knicks. If they opt for a double-big lineup with Karl Anthony-Towns at power forward, the lengthy, 6-foot-6 Mikal Bridges plays the two. Listed at 240 pounds, OG Anunoby is no cupcake matchup at the three. Trying to cover them with Green and Trent would spell disaster. Even Josh Hart off the bench is 6-foot-5 and 215 as primarily a two guard.
It’s not like the Bucks should go ahead and start Kuzma in such games – god no, though going halfway with Prince is at least a thought – but they might want to rely on him more than usual for defensive purposes. It’s not like he has been atrocious in the early going. In addition to his 18 minutes on the floor in Toronto, he put together a solid box score opening night versus the Wizards: 12 points on 5-10 shooting, with four boards, three dimes, two blocks and two steals.
Apr 10, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) warms up before game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
If he isn’t available on Tuesday, the Bucks will be down their best counter for plus-size wings. Green and even Trent are on the small side. Prince and Coffey aren’t really equipped to keep up. Kuzma has his offensive flaws, isn’t some Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and is hardly a cure-all, but his absence could create more uncomfortable defensive matchups for the Bucks.
For More Great Wisconsin Content
Follow me on X at @ezsniper14 and follow us@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!