The Milwaukee Bucks spent the early part of the 2025-26 season fighting to stay afloat. After 15 games, they held an 8-7 record and hovered in the middle of the Eastern Conference race. That momentum stalled last Monday when superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered an adductor strain in the loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, shifting the team’s outlook almost instantly.
Now sitting at 8-10, the Bucks initially expected their best player to miss a couple of weeks. But the latest NBA injury report lists Antetokounmpo as questionable for Wednesday’s matchup with the Miami Heat, a surprising shift that runs counter to what most people anticipated.
His return would be a much-needed boost for Milwaukee, which has dropped all three games in his absence. That stretch includes a nine-point home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers along with lopsided defeats to the Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Bucks
Nov 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
In the Greek Freak’s absence, guard Ryan Rollins has tried to shoulder more of the load, averaging 22 points, nine assists, and a little over five rebounds across the three games. However, Milwaukee’s real troubles have surfaced on the defensive end, where the team has struggled to keep opponents in check.
If Antetokounmpo suits up on Wednesday, Bobby Portis will likely move back to his reserve role. Before the injury, Giannis was delivering another dominant stretch, producing 31.2 points per game on 63 percent shooting while adding 10.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 0.9 steals.
Nov 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Antetokounmpo was back on the court getting shots up before Monday’s game, according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, and he’s set to travel with the Bucks for their two-game swing through Miami on Wednesday and New York on Friday. It’s a small step, but an encouraging one for Milwaukee.
Doc Rivers told reporters that he didn’t necessarily expect Giannis Antetokounmpo to play against the Heat on Wednesday or the Knicks on Friday, but Antetokounmpo will be on the trip with the Bucks. https://t.co/rJPoT4zh0R
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) November 24, 2025
The Bucks now head to Miami to take on a surging Heat squad that just welcomed its star guard back into the mix. Tyler Herro, who missed the opening stretch of the season after offseason ankle surgery, has returned to the lineup, and Miami hasn’t slowed down. The Heat have ripped off five straight wins and sit at 12-6, holding third place in the Eastern Conference.