Injury Setbacks Sideline Bucks Stars Porter And Turner

The Milwaukee Bucks are facing another significant hurdle in their 2025-26 NBA campaign as head coach Doc Rivers confirmed that Kevin Porter Jr. will be sidelined for the foreseeable future with a strained oblique. The announcement came just before the Bucks’ matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, adding to a season already riddled with injuries and lineup adjustments.

"He's not going to play anytime soon, I can tell you that, but we don't know how long he'll be out," Rivers stated during his pregame availability on January 21, 2026. The 25-year-old guard had been playing through discomfort for several games, but an MRI conducted on January 20 revealed the extent of the strain, forcing the coaching staff’s hand.

Porter’s absence is a tough blow for a Bucks squad striving to find consistency. Over 28 games this season, Porter has averaged 16.8 points, five rebounds, and a team-high 7.4 assists, making him the second-leading scorer on the roster. His production has been vital, especially considering the team’s uneven performance when he’s not on the floor.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Milwaukee. Porter’s recent form had already raised eyebrows—he averaged just 8.0 points on a chilly 26% shooting clip over his last four outings, a stark contrast to his season average of 16.8 points on 44% shooting. The dip in performance led to his move to the bench for the first time this season during the Bucks’ January 19 game against Atlanta. It was clear something wasn’t right, and now the MRI has provided the answer.

Rivers elaborated on Porter’s determination to play through the pain: "He was playing through it. You could see him in the last two or three games grabbing it. They did an MRI yesterday, and it is what it is." The coach did not specify a timeline for recovery, only emphasizing that Porter’s return is not imminent.

This latest setback adds to what has already been a challenging season for Porter. He missed 19 games earlier in the year after spraining his left ankle in the season opener and subsequently injuring his right knee while attempting to return. Those injuries culminated in surgery for a meniscus tear, keeping him out of action for a significant stretch. During that span, the Bucks struggled, recording a 7-12 record without their versatile guard in the lineup.

Porter’s ability to impact the game on both ends has been critical for Milwaukee. His averages of 16.8 points and 7.4 assists not only underscore his scoring and playmaking responsibilities but also highlight his importance as a stabilizing presence. For a team that’s had difficulty maintaining rhythm due to frequent lineup shuffles, losing Porter again is a substantial blow.

And the injury woes don’t end there. Center Myles Turner was also ruled out for the January 21 contest against the Thunder due to a sprained left ankle. Rivers described Turner’s status as day to day, leaving his availability for upcoming games in question. Turner’s absence further depletes Milwaukee’s depth, particularly in the frontcourt, where his shot-blocking and rebounding are sorely needed.

"It's been that way all year for us," Rivers remarked, reflecting on the team’s persistent injury challenges. "We're not crying about it. We got to keep trying to win games. It's been tough getting a rhythm. It really has been. But it is what it is. We'll figure it out." The coach’s candid assessment speaks to both the frustration and resilience within the Bucks’ locker room as they navigate a season that has become a test of endurance and adaptability.

The Bucks’ struggles to find cohesion are evident in their fluctuating results. Porter’s earlier absence, which coincided with the team’s 7-12 stretch, exposed Milwaukee’s vulnerability when key contributors are sidelined. The coaching staff has been forced to experiment with rotations, shifting roles, and relying on less experienced players to step up. The latest injuries to Porter and Turner only amplify the pressure on the remaining roster to deliver.

For Porter, the 2025-26 season has been a rollercoaster. After returning from his early-season injuries and surgery, he quickly re-established himself as a focal point of the Bucks’ offense. His ability to create shots, distribute the ball, and defend multiple positions made him indispensable. Yet, the physical toll of playing through pain ultimately caught up with him, resulting in this latest setback.

Milwaukee’s front office and medical staff now face the challenge of managing Porter’s recovery while keeping the team competitive in a crowded Eastern Conference. With the All-Star break approaching, the Bucks will be hoping for positive updates on both Porter and Turner, but Rivers’ comments suggest they’re preparing for an extended period without their star guard.

The Bucks’ resilience will be tested in the coming weeks. With Porter’s scoring and playmaking off the table, other players will need to step into larger roles. The coaching staff may look to veteran leadership and emerging talents to fill the void, but there’s no question that Porter’s absence leaves a significant gap.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Milwaukee responds. The Eastern Conference playoff race remains tight, and every game counts. The Bucks’ ability to weather this storm could determine their postseason fate. Rivers’ steady hand and the team’s collective grit will be crucial as they aim to stay afloat amid adversity.

As the Bucks prepare for their next slate of games, the uncertainty surrounding Porter’s and Turner’s returns looms large. For now, Milwaukee must rally together, embrace the “next man up” mentality, and continue battling through a season that has tested their depth and determination at every turn.

With the action ongoing and the team’s fortunes hanging in the balance, all eyes remain on the Bucks as they strive to overcome yet another round of setbacks. The coming weeks promise to be a defining stretch for Milwaukee’s season.