Bucks Backcourt Faces Test After Kevin Porter Jr Injury

The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a fresh challenge as guard Kevin Porter Jr. has been sidelined with an oblique injury, leaving the team without one of their most dynamic backcourt contributors for the foreseeable future. The news broke on January 21, 2026, when it was announced that Porter would miss the Bucks' matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to an oblique strain. Since then, the updates have only confirmed the severity of the situation, with Bucks head coach Doc Rivers stating on January 22, 2026, that Porter "won't play any time soon" and remains without an official timetable for return.

Porter’s absence is not just a one-game blip. According to Doc Rivers, the injury is significant enough that fans and fantasy basketball managers alike should brace for a multi-game stretch without the young guard’s services. "He won’t play any time soon," Rivers told reporters, according to Justin Garcia of Locked On Bucks. The coach’s words have left little doubt that the team will need to adapt quickly as they navigate this unexpected hurdle.

For the Bucks, losing Porter at this stage of the season is a tough blow. The 25-year-old guard had been carving out a vital role in Milwaukee’s rotation, offering a blend of scoring, playmaking, and defensive hustle that made him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. Porter’s ability to create off the dribble and his knack for making big plays in clutch moments have helped the Bucks maintain their status as Eastern Conference contenders. Now, with Porter out, the team must look to its depth to fill the void.

So, who steps up in Porter’s absence? The answer, at least for now, points directly to Gary Trent, Gary Harris, and Cole Anthony. All three players are expected to see a significant uptick in playing time while Porter recovers. This trio, each with their own unique skill set, will be called upon to shoulder the backcourt load and keep Milwaukee’s offense humming.

Gary Trent, known for his three-point shooting and ability to stretch the floor, could be the first in line to take on extra minutes. Trent’s perimeter scoring will be crucial as the Bucks look to maintain their offensive spacing and keep defenses honest. Gary Harris, a seasoned veteran with a reputation for tough defense and timely shooting, is another candidate to see more action. His experience and steady presence could prove invaluable, especially as the Bucks navigate a challenging stretch of games without one of their primary ball-handlers.

And then there’s Cole Anthony, the energetic guard who has shown flashes of brilliance in limited minutes this season. Anthony’s quickness and fearless approach could inject some much-needed spark into the Bucks’ second unit. With more opportunities on the horizon, Anthony has a chance to showcase his playmaking and scoring abilities on a bigger stage.

The ripple effect of Porter’s injury extends beyond just the Bucks’ rotation. Fantasy basketball managers who have invested in Porter this season are now faced with a tough decision. According to analysts and fantasy experts, Porter offers too much upside to simply cut from rosters. The consensus advice? Tuck him away in an injury reserve spot and hope for a speedy recovery. "Porter offers too much upside to cut, so managers should just tuck him away in an injury reserve spot," Justin Garcia of Locked On Bucks reported. With no official timetable for his return, patience will be key for those banking on Porter’s eventual comeback.

This isn’t the first time the Bucks have had to deal with injuries to key players, but the timing of Porter’s absence is particularly challenging. As the team battles for playoff positioning in a tightly contested Eastern Conference, every game counts. The Bucks have prided themselves on their depth and adaptability, and now those qualities will be put to the test.

Looking back at Porter’s season prior to the injury, it’s easy to see why his absence is such a big deal. He had been averaging solid numbers across the board, contributing points, assists, and rebounds while also providing a defensive spark. His chemistry with the rest of the Bucks’ starting lineup had been steadily improving, and his presence on the court often made life easier for stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.

There’s also the question of how the Bucks’ offense will adjust without Porter’s shot creation and ball-handling. While Trent, Harris, and Anthony are all capable players, none quite replicate Porter’s unique blend of skills. Expect Milwaukee to lean more heavily on their established stars, while also experimenting with different backcourt combinations to find the right mix.

For head coach Doc Rivers, managing minutes and expectations will be a delicate balancing act. Rivers, who took over the Bucks with a reputation for maximizing talent and adapting to adversity, now faces one of his first major personnel challenges of the season. The team’s ability to weather Porter’s absence could have a significant impact on their playoff seeding and overall momentum heading into the postseason.

Of course, all eyes will remain on Porter’s recovery timeline. Oblique injuries can be tricky, often requiring careful management to avoid re-aggravation. The Bucks’ medical staff will undoubtedly take a cautious approach, prioritizing Porter’s long-term health over any short-term gains. Fans hoping for a quick return will need to temper their expectations, as the team has made it clear that they won’t rush their guard back onto the court.

In the meantime, Milwaukee’s upcoming schedule doesn’t offer much respite. With matchups against several playoff-caliber opponents looming, the Bucks will need to find answers fast. The increased roles for Trent, Harris, and Anthony present both a challenge and an opportunity—can this trio rise to the occasion and help keep Milwaukee on track?

As the Bucks prepare for life without Kevin Porter Jr., at least for the next several games, the spotlight shifts to the team’s depth and resilience. The coming weeks will test Milwaukee’s ability to adapt, improvise, and compete at a high level despite missing one of their key contributors. For fans, fantasy managers, and the Bucks organization alike, the hope is that Porter’s recovery progresses smoothly and that he’ll be back on the court sooner rather than later.

For now, the Bucks and their supporters must rally around the players stepping up in Porter’s absence, trusting that the team’s depth and determination will keep their championship aspirations alive. The situation remains fluid, and all eyes will be on Milwaukee as they navigate this latest obstacle in their quest for NBA glory.