Bucks Look to Keep Rolling Without Antetokounmpo Against Pelicans

Milwaukee has won 5 of 6 games since losing their superstar to injury.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 3:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Milwaukee Bucks are attempting to limit the noise surrounding the health and cloudy future of their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo by taking care of matters on the court. Playing without Antetokounmpo, who has been sidelined since January 23 with a strained right calf, the Bucks will face the host New Orleans Pelicans on Friday as they look to win their sixth game in seven tries since the All-Star break.

Why it matters

The Bucks have proven they can win without their two-time NBA MVP, which will be crucial as they aim to secure a top playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pelicans, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after a tough overtime loss to the Bucks earlier this month.

The details

The Bucks lost their first three games without Antetokounmpo before picking up mostly positive results over their last six games, including a 141-137 overtime decision versus New Orleans on Feb. 4. In that game, Ryan Rollins erupted for 27 points and AJ Green had 20 to help the Bucks overcome a career-high 44-point performance by the Pelicans' Trey Murphy III. In their last game before the break, the Bucks had seven players score in double digits in a 110-93 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

  • Antetokounmpo has been sidelined since January 23 with a strained right calf.
  • The Bucks and Pelicans previously met on February 4, with the Bucks winning 141-137 in overtime.
  • The Bucks' last game before the All-Star break was a 110-93 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 12.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks' two-time NBA MVP who has been sidelined since January 23 with a strained right calf.

Ryan Rollins

The Bucks player who scored 27 points in the team's overtime win against the Pelicans on February 4.

AJ Green

The Bucks player who scored 20 points in the team's overtime win against the Pelicans on February 4.

Trey Murphy III

The Pelicans player who scored a career-high 44 points, including a franchise-best 12 3-pointers, in the team's overtime loss to the Bucks on February 4.

Bobby Portis

The Bucks player who had 15 points and 12 rebounds in the team's 110-93 win over the Thunder before the All-Star break.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're playing for Milwaukee. I'm playing for Milwaukee. I take pride in being a Buck. I love the city of Milwaukee. They call me the mayor of Milwaukee.”

— Bobby Portis, Bucks player

“We're gonna come back a lot more confident. We're gonna be around (our teammates). We're just gonna continue to keep working and it's going to open our eyes for sure.”

— Jeremiah Fears, Pelicans rookie

“I'm excited to come back. We've got three home games. Win those three and get back on the right track.”

— Derik Queen, Pelicans rookie

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.