Milwaukee Bucks Grapple with Injuries Ahead of Orlando Magic Showdown
The Milwaukee Bucks are heading to Orlando on February 11, 2026, navigating a challenging injury landscape that includes the continued absence of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. His unavailability has compelled the Bucks to recalibrate their rotations, placing greater emphasis on secondary scorers and interior defenders to fill the void.
The Orlando Magic, in contrast, enter this contest in relatively better health, though they are still monitoring a few key players. With both franchises managing roster availability, depth and precise execution are poised to be decisive factors in determining the outcome of this pivotal NBA matchup.
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo Sidelined
The Milwaukee Bucks, currently holding a 21-30 record and sitting fourth in the Central Division, face significant personnel challenges. Giannis Antetokounmpo is officially out with a right calf strain and is not anticipated to return before February 20. This absence thrusts Myles Turner and Bobby Portis into primary roles in the frontcourt, while Kevin Porter Jr. is expected to shoulder an expanded scoring responsibility.
Ryan Rollins is listed as questionable due to right foot plantar fasciitis, making him a game-time decision. Should he be unavailable, guards AJ Green, Gary Harris, and Cam Thomas are likely to see increased minutes. The injury report further details several other absences impacting the team's depth.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF): OUT - Right calf strain; expected out until at least Feb 20.
- Taurean Prince (SF): OUT - Neck surgery; long-term absence.
- Ryan Rollins (SG): QUESTIONABLE - Right foot plantar fasciitis; game-time decision.
- Pete Nance (PF): QUESTIONABLE - Left ankle sprain; day-to-day.
- Alex Antetokounmpo (SF): OUT - G-League two-way assignment.
Orlando Magic Injury Status: Key Players Expected to Play
The Orlando Magic, leading the Southeast Division with a 28-24 record, are in a stronger position. Star players Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane are all expected to be available for the game. However, the status of center Wendell Carter Jr. remains uncertain due to left ankle soreness, listing him as questionable.
If Carter is unable to play, Goga Bitadze and Moe Wagner are projected to assume larger responsibilities in the frontcourt, with Jonathan Isaac and Orlando Robinson providing additional depth. The Magic's injury report includes a couple of confirmed absences.
- Jett Howard (SG): OUT - Left ankle sprain.
- Colin Castleton (C): OUT - Thumb injury; out until at least Feb 19.
- Wendell Carter Jr. (C): QUESTIONABLE - Left ankle soreness; possible game-time decision.
Head-to-Head Record and Team Statistics
The teams have met once already this season, with Orlando securing a 118-99 victory on February 9. Anthony Black led the Magic with 26 points, while Kevin Porter Jr. topped Milwaukee's scoring with 28 points. Historically, Milwaukee holds the advantage with 76 regular-season wins to Orlando's 57, but the Magic have demonstrated greater strength in the current campaign.
A comparative analysis of team statistics reveals distinct strengths for each squad. Milwaukee exhibits superior efficiency from the field and from three-point range. Conversely, Orlando scores more points per game, rebounds more effectively, and excels at getting to the free-throw line. The Magic also average more steals and blocks per game, highlighting their defensive activity.
Individual Stat Leaders and Key Matchup Factors
For the Bucks, Ryan Rollins leads in points, assists, and steals, while Bobby Portis is the top rebounder and three-point shooter. Giannis Antetokounmpo, despite his injury, still leads the team in field-goal percentage among qualifying players. For the Magic, Paolo Banchero is the statistical leader in points, rebounds, and assists, showcasing his all-around impact, while Desmond Bane boasts exceptional free-throw accuracy.
The game could be decided by several critical factors. Milwaukee must compensate for Giannis's absence in rebounding and rim protection, relying heavily on Turner and Portis to contend with Banchero and potentially Carter Jr. Perimeter defense will also be crucial, especially if Rollins is unavailable for the Bucks. Milwaukee's reliance on three-point shooting, led by Portis and Kyle Kuzma, contrasts with Orlando's strategy of attacking the basket and capitalizing on free-throw opportunities.
Projected Lineups and X-Factors
Milwaukee Bucks Projected Lineup (if Rollins and Nance play):
- PG: Ryan Rollins (or AJ Green)
- SG: Kevin Porter Jr.
- SF: Kyle Kuzma
- PF: Bobby Portis
- C: Myles Turner
X-factor: Kevin Porter Jr. His scoring and playmaking will be vital in offsetting the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Orlando Magic Projected Lineup (if Carter Jr. plays):
- PG: Jalen Suggs
- SG: Desmond Bane
- SF: Anthony Black
- PF: Paolo Banchero
- C: Wendell Carter Jr. (or Goga Bitadze)
X-factor: Paolo Banchero. His versatile production across multiple statistical categories presents a formidable challenge for the Bucks' defense.
Orlando enters this game as the healthier and more in-form team. While Milwaukee's three-point shooting and the scoring prowess of Porter Jr. and Portis provide a pathway to competitiveness, the overarching factor remains the significant absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo. This injury situation tilts the scales in favor of the Magic as they prepare to host the Bucks on February 11.
