Bucks Eliminated from NBA Playoff Race

Coach Doc Rivers cites injuries as key factor in team's struggles this season.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:34am

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The Milwaukee Bucks have officially been eliminated from NBA playoff contention for the 2025-26 season, ending their playoff streak that dated back to the 2015-16 campaign. Head coach Doc Rivers cited injuries to key players like Giannis Antetokounmpo as a major factor in the team's disappointing 29-44 record, which has them sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference standings.

Why it matters

The Bucks' failure to make the playoffs this season will likely fuel speculation about the future of star player Giannis Antetokounmpo with the franchise. Bucks co-owner Wes Edens has indicated the team will either sign Antetokounmpo to another extension or explore trading him this offseason.

The details

The Bucks lost 127-95 to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, officially eliminating them from playoff contention. Milwaukee has been plagued by injuries all season, with Antetokounmpo missing extended time. Coach Doc Rivers said the team has struggled to "play through" the absences of its key players, including Antetokounmpo and former Bucks guard Damian Lillard, who was waived before the season.

  • The Bucks were officially eliminated from playoff contention on March 28, 2026.
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo has not played since March 15, 2026.
  • The Bucks have won just one of their last six games without Antetokounmpo.

The players

Doc Rivers

Head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Star player for the Milwaukee Bucks who has missed extended time due to injury this season.

Myles Turner

Center for the Milwaukee Bucks who was acquired in the offseason in an attempt to bolster the roster.

Victor Wembanyama

Player for the San Antonio Spurs who defeated the Bucks on March 28.

Damian Lillard

Former Bucks guard who was waived before the start of the season.

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What they’re saying

“It's been disappointing, obviously. Since I've been here, I haven't had a healthy stretch and it's been your key guys. It's been (Giannis Antetokounmpo). It's been (former Bucks guard Damian Lillard). And you hope you can play through that, but we just haven't had the ability.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Milwaukee Bucks

“We needed health. We were thin. We knew that before the season started, and it just didn't go our way. All the talk and all that stuff probably didn't help, either.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Milwaukee Bucks

“He's been a pro throughout this year. We had a great talk today about it before the game. I'm just so proud of him as a leader. He tries to do the right stuff.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Milwaukee Bucks

What’s next

The Bucks will now turn their attention to the NBA draft lottery, where they will look to improve their roster through the draft. The team's future with star player Giannis Antetokounmpo will also be a major storyline this offseason, as the Bucks must decide whether to sign him to another extension or explore trading him.

The takeaway

The Bucks' failure to make the playoffs this season despite high expectations highlights the challenges of building a consistent winner in the NBA. Injuries to key players like Giannis Antetokounmpo proved to be too much for the team to overcome, raising questions about the franchise's long-term outlook and the future of its superstar.