Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Bucks fade late to Cavaliers 123-116 1 Mar 17, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Harris (11), left, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (12) watch the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers from the bench in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Bucks eliminated as difficult season reaches breaking point

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 9:53 AM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks were outmatched by the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, falling 127-95. The loss marked their 44th of the season and further confirmed that Milwaukee is unlikely to be part of this year’s playoff field.

According to Marc Stein, the loss officially eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks from postseason contention in 2026. It will be the first time since the 2016-17 campaign that Milwaukee fails to reach the playoffs, bringing an end to its nine-year run of appearances.

The Bucks' 127-95 home loss to San Antonio has officially eliminated Milwaukee from the 2025-26 NBA postseason. https://t.co/sy6SYed1Cp

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 28, 2026

“The Bucks’ 127-95 home loss to San Antonio has officially eliminated Milwaukee from the 2025-26 NBA postseason,” Stein wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Bucks now eliminated from playoff contention

Milwaukee now joins the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, and Indiana Pacers among the teams eliminated from playoff contention. With nine games still left on the schedule but little at stake, Milwaukee could use the remaining stretch to give more playing time to players deeper on the roster.

It has been a difficult season for the Bucks, as the group struggled to find consistency early on. Giannis Antetokounmpo appearing in just 36 games did not help, as he dealt with multiple injuries while also being linked to trade speculation involving the organization. He is expected to be a central figure to monitor once the offseason begins following the playoffs.

Bucks eliminated as difficult season reaches breaking point 2 Mar 19, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts after a play against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

With the Eastern Conference playoff picture taking shape following Milwaukee’s elimination, the final stretch of the regular season will determine seeding and which four teams secure spots in the play-in tournament. As of Saturday, March 28, the Detroit Pistons are the only team to have officially clinched a playoff berth, while the rest of the conference remains in contention for play-in positioning.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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