The Milwaukee Bucks acquired Kevin Porter Jr. on a two-year contract during the offseason, expecting him to bolster their lineup. While Porter showed promising form initially, appearing in just 23 games this season, injuries have limited his time on the court. He has not competed since January 21 due to a strained oblique muscle.
Porter’s contract, worth $11 million over two years, was finalized last summer. His season began impressively, as he scored 10 points in only nine minutes during the Bucks’ opening game against the Washington Wizards. Unfortunately, a right knee injury soon sidelined him.
According to ESPN’s Jamal Collier, Porter suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee, which required a recovery period estimated at four weeks. This injury caused him to miss 19 consecutive games. He made his comeback on November 29 in a matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, roughly one week later than the initially projected return.
After returning, Porter managed to participate in 22 straight games before the oblique strain occurred. This injury took place during a game against the Atlanta Hawks and resulted in him being listed as out indefinitely.
Projected Timeline for Porter’s Return to the Court
Heading into Tuesday’s clash with the Chicago Bulls, the Milwaukee Bucks listed five players on their injury report, with Kevin Porter Jr. among them. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers shared updates on several sidelined players before the team’s victory.
Rivers indicated that Bobby Portis would likely miss the game, which was confirmed due to a hip injury. Meanwhile, Gary Harris is expected to sit out for a few more games. Porter, on the other hand, might be available as early as Wednesday during Milwaukee’s second game of a back-to-back set against the New Orleans Pelicans.
However, Eric Nehm of The Athletic advised caution, noting it is more realistic to expect Porter’s return on Friday when the Bucks face the Indiana Pacers, even if he is medically cleared earlier.
Rivers did not provide new information regarding the rehabilitation status of Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is recovering from a calf injury. Antetokounmpo took part in shootaround sessions and floor workouts as part of his rehab efforts, despite circulating trade rumors surrounding him.
Kevin Porter Jr’s Perspective on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Trade Speculation
Before recent intensification of trade discussions involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks’ superstar regularly expressed his commitment to remaining in Milwaukee. Still, with the team facing challenges this season, some analysts believe a trade could occur either at the deadline or during the offseason for the benefit of both parties.
Back in December, Porter addressed the persistent rumors about Antetokounmpo’s potential departure and the effect on team morale.
“Giannis does a great job of assuring that he wants to be here with this group specifically,”
Porter said.
“So we ain’t worried about all the outside noise. You know, that’s my brother, and I’m sure if it was something he would (want), he would come to us. But he’s with us, and we’re gonna hold it down until he’s ready.”
– Kevin Porter Jr., Milwaukee Bucks guard
As the trade deadline approaches, Antetokounmpo’s name has been linked to several NBA teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, and New York Knicks.
Implications of Porter’s Return and Team Outlook
Kevin Porter Jr’s imminent return could provide a much-needed boost to the Bucks as the team navigates through a challenging season marked by injuries and uncertainty. His scoring ability and playmaking are valuable assets, especially as Milwaukee tries to maintain competitiveness in a tough Eastern Conference.
At the same time, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future adds complexity to the Bucks’ strategies moving forward. His calf rehabilitation and potential trade scenarios will be critical topics in the coming weeks as the team prepares for the playoffs.
With Porter approaching full health and the Bucks managing multiple injuries, how quickly the squad can regain cohesion will likely influence their success down the stretch. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold in the context of Milwaukee’s season goals.
Injury updates from Doc Rivers:
– Bobby Portis is probably going to be out tonight (right hip contusion).
– Gary Harris is probably going to miss a couple games, maybe more.
– Kevin Porter Jr. is getting close to returning. Tomorrow is a possibility, but maybe Friday. https://t.co/wKIXR2rNV8— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) February 3, 2026
"Gianni does a great job of assuring that he's wanting to be here with this group specifically." pic.twitter.com/ksBgj66Pzf
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 4, 2025
