The Milwaukee Bucks are finally stringing together wins after what has been a tough season. With wild speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future being the only consistent element of the Bucks’ season, Milwaukee has spent most of the season outside of the playoff picture. However, February has been a bright month for Doc Rivers and company, and even with Giannis currently injured, the team has a legitimate chance to make a postseason surge given their recent form and their upcoming schedule.
Feb 22, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter (7) drives for the basket against Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Milwaukee Bucks Putting Together Impressive February
The Milwaukee Bucks entered February with the anxiety of a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade and not much to look forward to in terms of on-court performance. However, February 5th passed with Antetokounmpo still on the roster, and many NBA experts who told fans that at a trade was inevitable were forced to eat crow.
The trade deadline was therefore uneventful for Milwaukee – or was it? New additions Cam Thomas (waivers) and Ousmane Dieng (via Chicago) have suddenly given the team a spark and the fans a lot to be excited about. Thomas has averaged 16.8 points per game off the bench on career-best efficiency (albeit a small sample size), while Dieng is averaging nearly 10 points and 5 rebounds, not to mention shooting 54.5% from deep.
Feb 11, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Cam Thomas (24) is fouled by Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Combined with some impressive play from Kevin Porter Jr., the Bucks have gone 7-3 in February and are suddenly fighting for play-in position. They sit just a few games back from the Charlotte Hornets for the 10 seed and are within striking distance of the 9-seed Atlanta Hawks as well.
Strength of Schedule Looking Favorable for Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have 26 games remaining, tied for the most of any team. This will maximize their chances of getting the turnaround they need. Furthermore, 15 of those games are at home, where the Bucks have been .500 this season. Although this doesn’t sound particularly impressive, several teams ahead of them in the standings have losing records at home. Home-court advantage at Fiserv Forum may not be what it once was, but it certainly isn’t nothing.
Feb 6, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Pete Nance (35) hangs on the basket after dunking a shot against Indiana Pacers forward Micah Potter (11) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
In terms of actual strength of schedule, Milwaukee has the 17th-hardest schedule remaining, with a combined opponent win percentage of .499.
However, the most important thing for Milwaukee to make a late-season surge is getting Giannis Antetokounmpo back on the court. Lest fans forget, the Greek Freak was having another MVP-caliber season when healthy. There won’t be a ton of time to gel with new players like Thomas and Dieng, but the talent on paper is definitely playoff-caliber.
Feb 4, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during warmups prior to the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
If the Bucks to force themselves into the Play-In and Giannis was back to his usual dominance, they’d likely be the favorites to advance from such a scenario. While perhaps not even the most optimistic fans are imagining a deep playoff run, it would be reassuring for the team to fight their way into the first round and put up a respectable showing in the postseason. After last season’s limp playoff performance, showing some real fight and spark would give the team a building block for next year.
Speculating about potential playoff opponents feels like jumping the gun given that Milwaukee still has a lot to do in order to set up a playoff series, but it’s certainly within the realm of possibility.
Jan 15, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Doc Rivers holds the ball in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images