Bucks Playoff Hopes Hang by a Thread as Giannis Sits Out Against Spurs

Milwaukee faces elimination from the play-in tournament with a loss to San Antonio on March 28.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:20pm

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The Milwaukee Bucks' slim playoff hopes are on the line as they take on the San Antonio Spurs on March 28. With a loss, the Bucks will be officially eliminated from contention for the play-in tournament. Star player Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss his sixth straight game due to a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, despite his desire to play. The Bucks are 12-24 without Giannis this season.

Why it matters

The Bucks' playoff aspirations have been derailed by Giannis' injury, and a loss to the Spurs would officially end their season. This comes as a disappointment for a team that made the playoffs in each of the last four seasons and won the NBA championship in 2021.

The details

The Bucks (29-43) face the Spurs (55-18) at Fiserv Forum on March 28. A loss would eliminate the Bucks from contention for the play-in tournament. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out for the sixth straight game after suffering a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise on March 15. The team is 12-24 without Giannis this season.

  • The Bucks face the Spurs on March 28.
  • Giannis has been ruled out for the sixth straight game.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks' star player, who has been sidelined with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise.

Myles Turner

The Spurs center, who is available to play after dealing with an illness.

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What’s next

If the Bucks lose to the Spurs on March 28, they will be officially eliminated from playoff contention.

The takeaway

The Bucks' disappointing season has come down to this must-win game against the Spurs, with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread without their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. This highlights the importance of star players' availability and the challenges teams face when key players are sidelined by injury.