Bucks Look to Keep Momentum Alive in Orlando, But Still Missing Giannis
The Milwaukee Bucks are finally showing signs of life. After a rocky start to the season, they roll into Orlando tonight riding their first winning streak of the year - three straight victories that have injected a little hope into a team that’s been searching for rhythm since opening night.
But let’s not sugarcoat it: Milwaukee’s still got a steep hill to climb. At 21-29, they’re sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference, well outside the postseason picture.
The Magic, meanwhile, are one of the teams the Bucks are chasing. Orlando is holding steady in 7th place with a 27-24 record, and tonight marks the first of three matchups between these two - a stretch that could prove pivotal if Milwaukee wants to make a late-season push.
The next meeting comes quickly - just two days later, again in Florida - and if the Bucks can take both, it would be a major step in tightening the race for the play-in. They already hold the season tiebreaker over Chicago (11th, 24-29) and Charlotte (10th, 25-28), and they’re 1-0 against Atlanta (9th, 26-28). So the math is starting to lean in their favor - but only if they keep stacking wins.
No Giannis (Again)
Unfortunately for Milwaukee, they’ll have to keep fighting without their franchise cornerstone. Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss his seventh straight game tonight due to a strained soleus muscle in his right calf - the same injury that’s kept him sidelined since January 23.
The Bucks are 5-15 without Giannis this season. That stat tells the story.
His absence has been felt on both ends of the floor - in transition, in the paint, on the glass, and as the emotional engine of the team. Milwaukee has found ways to compete in spurts, but it’s clear they’re not the same team without their two-time MVP.
All-Star Watch
Giannis was voted in as a starter for the upcoming NBA All-Star Game, set for February 16 in Los Angeles. Despite the injury and his own estimate of a four-to-six-week recovery window, he hasn’t been officially ruled out or replaced by commissioner Adam Silver - at least not yet.
It’s worth noting: he missed last year’s All-Star Game due to a left calf strain, and in 2023, he suited up despite a wrist injury, checked in for one possession, dunked, and promptly subbed out. So even if he’s technically “available,” don’t expect a full run in L.A.
This year’s All-Star format features Giannis as part of the international “World” team, set to face off against two U.S.-based squads in a round-robin format. Whether or not he actually plays is still up in the air.
Who’s In, Who’s Out
Milwaukee will also be without forward Taurean Prince, who remains sidelined following neck surgery.
There is, however, a new face in the fold: Cam Thomas. The scoring guard, officially signed by the Bucks on February 8, said he’ll be available “if needed” tonight against the Magic.
Thomas last played on February 3 while still with the Brooklyn Nets. His role tonight might be limited, but his scoring punch could be a welcome addition to a roster that’s struggled to find consistent offense without Giannis.
Game Details
- Tip-off: 6:30 p.m. CT
- Broadcast: Nationally televised on Peacock
- Announcers: Michael Grady, Grant Hill, and Jordan Cornette on the call
Bucks Probable Starting Lineup
While the official lineup hasn’t been confirmed, expect Milwaukee to lean on the same core that’s carried them through this recent stretch. With Giannis out, the Bucks have had to get creative - mixing in more ball movement, relying on perimeter shooting, and tightening up defensively. It’s not flashy, but it’s working - at least for now.
The Stakes
Make no mistake: this isn’t just another regular-season game. For Milwaukee, it’s a chance to keep momentum alive, chip away at the standings, and prove they can hang tough without their superstar. For Orlando, it’s an opportunity to hold their ground and fend off a team that’s suddenly showing signs of life.
With the play-in race heating up and the calendar creeping toward All-Star Weekend, every game matters a little more. And tonight in Orlando, the Bucks are hoping their first winning streak of the season won’t be their last.