Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks are going through a troubling start to their 2025-26 season. Through 28 games they’re 11-17 and Giannis Antetokounmpo has missed a significant amount of time due to his calf injury. That being said, their head coach is making a decision to try to increase morale on the team.
Bucks’ Doc Rivers says team can spend time with family on Christmas (Report)
Dec 14, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Milwaukee Head Coach Rivers looks on during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
According to the Bucks Lead on Twitter (X):
Doc said yesterday that the Bucks are flying home during their road trip:
“We’re gonna fly back and let guys spend Christmas Eve and half of Christmas Day at home and then go back out on the road to Memphis.”
He later added: “Listen— family man, spend time with your family. Not just for our team— that’s for everybody who’s listening. If you can, do it.”
Here is the video:
Doc said yesterday that the Bucks are flying home during their road trip:
“We’re gonna fly back and let guys spend Christmas Eve and half of Christmas Day at home and then go back out on the road to Memphis.”
He later added: “Listen— family man, spend time with your family. Not… pic.twitter.com/N4WRRwnAEG
— Bucks Lead (@BucksLead) December 21, 2025
How Did the Milwaukee Bucks Get Here?
Dec 13, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket around Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
A calf strain suffered by Giannis Antetokounmpo in early December sidelined him for roughly 2-4 weeks (possibly longer for precautionary purposes). This comes on the heels of groin strains earlier in the season. Despite starting the season on an overall positive note, the Bucks suffered losing streaks, including one in November that lasted seven games.
Among the major recent changes to the roster was the decision to move on from Damian Lillard, the trade of Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma, and the signing of Myles Turner to a four-year contract.
The roster got younger but inconsistent, relying heavily on Giannis. Preseason win projections were around 42-50, but the team could miss the playoffs entirely at this rate.
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