Milwaukee Bucks' late season push might be dead 1 Mar 7, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes down to the floor in the second half against the Utah Jazz at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Milwaukee Bucks’ late season push might be dead

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 6:50 AM ET

Just a short time ago, it seemed like the Milwaukee Bucks were building real momentum for a strong finish to the season. The backcourt was performing well, new additions were making an impact, and Giannis Antetokounmpo was preparing to return from a month long absence to ignite a late season push.

Now, the backcourt is faltering, the roster has lost depth, Giannis is out once again, and any hopes of a dramatic comeback have vanished.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, in their current form, are not built to make the playoffs. They aren’t even close to contending for a Play-In spot. That was painfully clear on Sunday night as Milwaukee fell 130 to 91 to the Orlando Magic, a defeat that left the Bucks 4.5 games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the 10th and final Play-In position in the Eastern Conference.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks post-season hopes might be coming to an end

It seems highly unlikely that Milwaukee will close the gap on the Charlotte Hornets, and they are nowhere near challenging the 9th spot held by the Atlanta Hawks. The Bucks now sit six games back of Atlanta, who have strung together six straight victories.

The game has ended. pic.twitter.com/pAHJk3cQC1

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 9, 2026

The Milwaukee Bucks’ social media account posted “the game has ended,” but it might have been more accurate to say the season has ended. The lift the team hoped to get from Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return never arrived, and now Kevin Porter Jr. is sidelined as well.

Bucks under pressure to recreate championship chemistry for Giannis Antetokounmpo 1 Mar 4, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) slams the ball against the post in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Too many players in Milwaukee’s supporting cast have delivered performances like this against the Orlando Magic, leaving the season essentially over. While Giannis Antetokounmpo has tried to carry the team toward the playoffs, even through the Play-In tournament, any realistic path forward is now nearly gone.

The more likely scenario is for the team to shut him down and focus on convincing him this summer that the next season can be more competitive.

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

More must-reads: