Predictably, the Milwaukee Bucks’ offense has stagnated in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence. The Bucks have struggled since he first suffered a groin injury, prior to the calf strain that could keep him sidelined until the end of January.
Entering Monday night’s action, the Boston Celtics represented the 17th ranked offenses with 116.5 points per game.
In the Bucks’ last 16 games, they have topped Boston’s average once, in a loss to the Wizards. By comparison, they did so eight times in their first 13 contests. That split closely coincides with Giannis’ first injury (he strained his groin 15 games ago, returned for three and then injured his calf).
The Bucks’ issues aren’t going anywhere. If anything, they might be getting worse: they have averaged just 95.7 points across their last three games. At 11-18, and 3-13 in the aforementioned stretch, this team needs help. And fast.
Bucks’ offense continues to lag behind
Their struggles haven’t been all about missing Giannis. Most of the time they had him, Kevin Porter Jr. was missing. Now they have Porter, but, of course, that hasn’t made up for it. Even with Giannis, earlier this season, the offense was prone stagnant possessions. That problem has only intensified during his absence.
Dec 11, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) cheers the team from the bench in the second quarter against the Boston Celtics while recovering from an injury at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Defensively, the Bucks actually held serve in each of their last two games, partly a product of reduced fouling. As a result, opponents have not enjoyed the same parade to the free-throw line. Against the Raptors and Wolves combined, they allowed just 214 points. Unfortunately, the offense mustered only 205.
In fact, outside of being inexplicably gouged by the Wizards (26th in PPG) and Nets (30th), the defense has held up decently over the past several weeks.
On the season, however, the Bucks measure out as the mediocre team their record suggests. 24th in points per game, they rank 22nd in offensive rating. In defensive rating, they are also 22nd. Although the offense is where it really hurts, missing Giannis hurts them on both sides of the ball. With Antetokounmpo playing only 15 full games out of 29, it’s no surprise the Bucks have floundered.
Dec 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) holds the ball away from Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
They can fix up some of their underlying issues – fouls, rebounds, turnovers – which will help. But if they don’t act aggressively in the trade market – and soon – it’s hard to muster the optimism to believe this will be anything but a below .500 team in coming weeks.
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