Giannis Antetokounmpo Remains Out for Bucks-Knicks Showdown
The Milwaukee Bucks will be without their superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo when they host the New York Knicks on February 27, 2026, as confirmed by the official injury report released on the afternoon of the game. This marks the 15th consecutive game Antetokounmpo has missed since suffering a right calf strain on January 23, 2026, with the initial recovery timeline projected at four to six weeks.
Injury Status and Recovery Progress
Despite making significant progress in his rehabilitation, including participation in live practice sessions, Giannis Antetokounmpo has not yet returned to full five-on-five basketball activities. Head coach Doc Rivers emphasized that there have been no setbacks in the recovery process, but the team remains cautious and is not prepared to reintroduce him to game action at this time. The Bucks are also without Taurean Prince, who is recovering from neck surgery.
Bucks' Performance Without Giannis
In the absence of their two-time MVP, the Milwaukee Bucks have posted a 15-15 record in games where Antetokounmpo has been sidelined or played limited minutes. The team has adopted a collective approach to compensate for his absence rather than relying on a single replacement player.
- Kyle Kuzma has assumed increased scoring responsibilities, averaging 12.9 points per game.
- Bobby Portis continues to anchor the interior play with his physical presence.
- Ousmane Dieng and Myles Turner provide crucial size and defensive capabilities.
The expected starting lineup for the Bucks includes Kevin Porter Jr., AJ Green, Kuzma, Portis, and Turner, with a strategic focus on perimeter shooting and rim protection.
Knicks' Injury Report and Lineup
The New York Knicks enter the contest with a relatively healthy roster, missing only Miles McBride, who is recovering from pelvic and core muscle surgery, and Pacome Dadiet, who is on a G League assignment. Their core rotation remains intact, led by:
- Jalen Brunson directing the offense as the primary playmaker.
- Karl-Anthony Towns serving as the main frontcourt scoring threat.
- Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby providing defensive versatility on the wings.
- Josh Hart offering valuable depth across multiple positions.
Game Context and Eastern Conference Implications
This matchup carries significant weight in the Eastern Conference standings, with the Milwaukee Bucks holding a commanding 42-13 record at the top of the conference, while the New York Knicks trail closely behind. Historically, Giannis Antetokounmpo has dominated against the Knicks, typically posting impressive stat lines of approximately 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. Without his presence, the Bucks will need consistent contributions from their entire roster to maintain their competitive edge.
The game is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, promising to be a competitive encounter despite the absence of one of the league's premier talents.
