Thunder Host Bucks in Clash of NBA Contenders

OKC looks to bounce back from injury concerns as Milwaukee plays without Giannis

Feb. 12, 2026 at 5:47am

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The OKC Thunder will host the Milwaukee Bucks in a matchup of two of the NBA's top teams on Thursday night. The Thunder are coming off a big win over the Suns but suffered injuries to key players Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, while the Bucks will be without star Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a calf strain.

Why it matters

This game features two of the Western and Eastern Conference's top teams, with the Thunder looking to solidify their position atop the West and the Bucks trying to climb the standings in the East. The health of Holmgren and Williams will be crucial for OKC, while Milwaukee will need other players to step up in Giannis' absence.

The details

The Thunder (42-13) are coming off a 136-109 road win over the Suns on Wednesday, but Holmgren and Williams both exited the game with injuries. The Bucks (22-30) earned a 116-108 win over the Magic on Wednesday, but Giannis continues to miss time with a calf strain.

  • The game tips off at 6:30 p.m. CST on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • Holmgren and Williams both left Wednesday's game against the Suns with injuries.

The players

Chet Holmgren

The Thunder's star rookie center, who exited Wednesday's game with an apparent left shoulder injury.

Jalen Williams

The Thunder's second-year guard, who left Wednesday's game with an apparent right hamstring injury.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks' superstar forward, who continues to miss time due to a strained right calf.

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What they’re saying

“We must play through these injuries and find a way to win. Our depth will be tested, but I believe in this team.”

— Mark Daigneault, Thunder Head Coach (Thunder PR)

“Giannis is our leader, but we have other talented players who need to step up in his absence. This is an opportunity for us to prove our depth.”

— Mike Budenholzer, Bucks Head Coach (Bucks PR)

What’s next

The Thunder will provide updates on the status of Holmgren and Williams ahead of Thursday's game. The Bucks will continue to monitor Giannis' recovery from the calf strain.

The takeaway

This matchup between two of the NBA's top teams will test the depth and resilience of both squads, with key injuries on both sides. The Thunder's ability to overcome the loss of Holmgren and Williams, and the Bucks' capacity to compensate for Giannis' absence, could be the deciding factors in this highly anticipated clash.