Giannis Antetokounmpo Sidelined for Bucks vs Cavaliers Clash on February 25, 2026
The Milwaukee Bucks will be without their superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum on February 25, 2026. Antetokounmpo continues to recover from a right calf strain, and the team has not provided a confirmed timeline for his return to the court.
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Giannis Antetokounmpo sustained the soleus strain injury between January 23 and 27, 2026, and has not played since late January. The Bucks medical staff is taking a cautious approach, allowing him to complete his rehabilitation fully before clearing him for game action. He has been gradually increasing his workload during rehab sessions, but team officials emphasize they are not rushing his recovery process.
The absence of their primary scorer and playmaker has forced Milwaukee to adjust their offensive strategy, relying more heavily on secondary players for scoring and ball-handling responsibilities.
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report and Expected Lineup
The Bucks face additional roster challenges beyond Antetokounmpo's absence:
- Taurean Prince remains out following neck surgery
- Alex Antetokounmpo is unavailable due to a G League assignment
Despite their 25-31 record, Milwaukee has shown recent improvement, including a 32-point performance from Kevin Porter Jr. in their previous game. The expected starting lineup features:
- Kevin Porter Jr.
- Ryan Rollins
- AJ Green
- Kyle Kuzma
- Myles Turner
Kuzma and Turner are anticipated to handle frontcourt duties, while Rollins and Green will manage backcourt responsibilities.
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Challenges
The visiting Cavaliers also face significant injury concerns heading into the matchup:
- Evan Mobley (calf) and Donovan Mitchell (groin) are both ruled out
- Max Strus continues recovering from foot surgery
- James Harden is listed as questionable with a right thumb injury
With these absences, Cleveland will likely rely on Jarrett Allen to anchor their frontcourt, while Dennis Schroder assumes primary ball-handling duties. Sam Merrill, Dean Wade, and Jaylon Tyson are expected to round out the starting lineup.
Game Outlook and Strategic Implications
Both teams enter this contest significantly short-handed, with Cleveland holding the better record at 37-22. The Cavaliers come into the game as slight favorites despite their own injury challenges.
The matchup presents several strategic considerations:
- Milwaukee's defensive struggles this season (allowing 118.2 points per game) could be exacerbated without their defensive anchor
- Cleveland's superior net rating gives them a statistical advantage
- The absence of key players on both sides may result in a slower-paced game
- Milwaukee will need increased production from role players like Bobby Portis
- Cleveland will look to exploit interior matchups through Jarrett Allen
The game is scheduled for 8 PM ET at Fiserv Forum, with both teams seeking to overcome significant roster limitations in this late-season matchup.
