Doc Rivers confirmed that Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will be sidelined for one to two weeks with a groin strain, but the absence could push the team to adapt in surprising ways.
Speaking after Milwaukee’s loss to the Cavaliers, Rivers said, “We got some work to do, there’s always a silver lining. I’m telling you, I believe that all the time. I don’t know what it is, it doesn’t look good right now. We got Scoot (Kevin Porter Jr.) and Giannis out. That’s not great for our team. But we’re gonna either find someone or find something to run that will pay dividends later. And that’s the stretch that we’re about to go through. We’ll be ready.”
Rivers realizes this is a demanding coaching test, but it could ultimately strengthen the Bucks. The staff will have to devise new strategies to get the most out of the players who are available. Finding ways to win without Giannis could give the team a lasting advantage when he returns.
The Bucks without Giannis Antetokounmpo
Mar 28, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks bench looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
This season, Giannis is carrying the Bucks on his back, leading the team with 31.2 points per game and 6.8 assists. His absence leaves a gap in scoring and playmaking that others will need to fill. Luckily, the Bucks have built a strong system that spaces the floor with shooters, providing a solid foundation to support their slashers and maintain offensive flow.
Giannis’ injury highlights the Bucks’ ongoing shortage of a secondary creator, a weakness that has been evident even when he’s on the floor. The team often struggles offensively in the minutes he sits, frequently getting blown out due to limited scoring options. His time away, however brief, could provide other players with the chance to step up, gain confidence, and run the offense in his absence.
Nov 1, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts with guard Ryan Rollins (13) after scoring a basket in the 3rd quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Many teams across the league are dealing with the same challenge as the NBA’s demands continue to climb. The ones that manage to stay steady without their stars, though, are usually the groups that finish stronger in the regular season.
If the Bucks can push through this stretch without Giannis, they’ll come out of it in a strong position for the rest of the long regular season. It also builds a foundation for the playoffs, when defenses swarm Giannis and challenge everyone else to make plays. Giving those supporting players an early look at that kind of pressure can only help them handle it when the stakes rise.