Giannis Antetokounmpo Sidelined for Bucks' Road Game Against Magic
The Milwaukee Bucks will be without their superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo when they face the Orlando Magic on February 9, 2026. The team has officially listed him as out on the injury report due to a persistent right calf strain. This marks the seventh consecutive game Antetokounmpo will miss, significantly impacting Milwaukee's lineup and competitive prospects against a formidable Eastern Conference opponent.
Injury Timeline and Recovery Approach
Antetokounmpo initially aggravated the calf injury during a late-January matchup against the Denver Nuggets and has not participated in full team activities since. The Bucks medical staff is treating the situation as day-to-day but exercising extreme caution with his rehabilitation process. With the NBA All-Star break approaching and Milwaukee fighting to maintain postseason positioning, the organization is prioritizing long-term health over immediate return.
Head coach Doc Rivers recently provided an update, stating that Antetokounmpo is "getting close" to a return but emphasized the team's commitment to ensuring he is fully healthy before stepping back on the court. The absence of a definitive timeline reflects the careful management of what can be a delicate injury for an athlete of his caliber.
Bucks' Performance and Adjustments Without Their Star
Milwaukee has struggled in games without Antetokounmpo this season, posting a record of 6-14 when he is unavailable. However, the team enters this contest riding a three-game winning streak, demonstrating some resilience. Players like Kevin Porter Jr. and Andre Jackson Jr. have expanded their roles, taking on additional ball-handling and scoring responsibilities.
The bench unit has also seen increased minutes as the coaching staff experiments with different lineup combinations to compensate for the loss. Despite these adjustments, the Bucks noticeably lack the interior scoring, transition explosiveness, and defensive versatility that Antetokounmpo typically provides. His absence creates a substantial void that the remaining roster must collectively fill.
Challenging Matchup Against Orlando Magic
Facing the Orlando Magic on the road presents a particularly tough challenge. Orlando has won two straight games and remains near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, making this a difficult proposition even at full strength. Without Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee is considered a double-digit underdog in this contest.
The Bucks will likely rely more heavily on guard play and rotational depth to counter Orlando's strengths. Expect increased minutes from the frontcourt players as Milwaukee attempts to manage Orlando's interior scoring threats. This game will serve as a critical test of how well the team can perform without its cornerstone player against elite competition.
Return Projection and Future Outlook
While no exact return date has been established, reports indicate the Bucks are targeting a comeback after the All-Star break, assuming his recovery progresses without setbacks. Antetokounmpo has previously noted that calf strains of this nature typically require four to six weeks of healing, suggesting a potential return window in mid-to-late February.
When cleared for full practice, the team is expected to implement a minutes restriction initially, gradually ramping up his workload. This phased approach underscores Milwaukee's strategic focus on having Antetokounmpo at full strength for the crucial stretch run of the season rather than rushing him back prematurely. The Bucks are also managing injuries to other rotation players, further testing their depth during this challenging period.
