Bucks' Porter Jr. to undergo season-ending knee surgery

The procedure will address the guard's ongoing synovitis issues.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:40am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's knee in various overlapping perspectives, using bold colors to convey the severity of the injury.A Cubist interpretation of the knee injury that will sideline Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. for the remainder of the season.Today in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. will undergo knee surgery, effectively ending his 2025-26 season. Porter has missed the last 10 games due to severe knee inflammation known as synovitis. The team has not provided a timeline for his recovery.

Why it matters

Porter was having a career-best season, setting personal highs in assists, steals, and field goal percentage. His absence is a significant blow to the Bucks' playoff push, as the team struggles to stay afloat without their dynamic young guard.

The details

The surgery, scheduled for Tuesday, will address Porter's ongoing synovitis issues. He had previously missed 19 games earlier in the season due to a sprained ankle and other injuries, including a torn meniscus and strained oblique.

  • Porter suffered the initial ankle injury just 9 minutes into the Bucks' season opener.
  • He has missed the last 10 games due to the knee inflammation.
  • The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Kevin Porter Jr.

A 24-year-old guard for the Milwaukee Bucks who was having a career-best season before being sidelined by injuries.

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

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What they’re saying

“Man, I didn't come through for you.”

— Kevin Porter Jr., Bucks Guard

“No, you're fine. You just got injured. It's part of the game, and it happens.”

— Doc Rivers, Bucks Head Coach

What’s next

The Bucks have not provided a timeline for Porter's recovery, but he could potentially be healthy in time for the 2026-27 season. His future with the team remains uncertain as he holds a $5.3 million player option.

The takeaway

Porter's season-ending surgery is a significant setback for the Bucks, who have struggled to stay competitive without their young guard's production. The team's playoff hopes have taken a hit, and Porter's long-term future with the franchise is now in question as he faces an uncertain recovery timeline.