The Milwaukee Bucks enter the All-Star break 23-30, below .500 at this time of the season for the first time since 2015-16. That team hit the All-Star break at 25-30 and went 8-19 after. The '25-26 Bucks are hoping for a different outcome, but to achieve it, they'll have to dig themselves out of an unfamiliar hole without the benefit of a true co-star alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Second-half will test the Greek Freak in way it hasn't since third season
As tumultuous as last season was, the Bucks entered the break at 29-24, more concerned with staying out of the Play-in tournament than getting into it. Over the course of nine straight winning seasons, leading to nine straight playoff berths, the Giannis-era Bucks have set their sights high. They don't have that luxury this year.
Navigating Antetokounmpo's injury absences has been harder without the likes of Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, or Jrue Holiday to right a tight ship in the meantime. In all, he has already missed more games, 22, than in any prior season.
Still a game and a half out behind the Hawks for the 10-seed, the Bucks have their work cut out for them. There is, however, a glimmer of hope from the way the first half ended. Winning five of six games, they capped it off by taking down the Magic and Thunder as massive road underdogs.
Giannis may not have a co-star this time, but recent additions Ousmane Dieng (via trade) and Cam Thomas (off the buyout market) have made an immediate impact. If they continue playing well, the roster could look considerably different down the stretch.
There are other reasons for optimism. Giannis himself will be back after the break. Lineups featuring both him and Kevin Porter Jr. have produced a box-score rating of positive-4.9. The problem is that they have only shared the court in 15 games this season. Porter, who leads the team in assists and steals per game, is second in scoring and third in rebounds. Add 24 absences for him onto the games the Bucks have played without Giannis.
Injuries have been recurring theme holding back the Bucks in recent seasons. This year, they don't the error margin to accommodate them. Surmounting their current deficit to at least make the Play-in field, much less the playoffs, will require a fairly clean bill of health.
When Giannis does return, of course, he will likely be subject to a minutes restriction. Just having him back, though, will make a major difference. Assuming this team plans to compete, hopefully he emerges from All-Star weekend refreshed, ready to lead the franchise from forgotten territory to yet another appearance in the postseason.