Washington Wizards Khris Middleton and Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image via Getty) The Milwaukee Bucks enter their December 5, 2025 showdown against the Philadelphia 76ers facing a harsh reality, Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t be on the floor. What was expected to be another high-energy clash between Eastern Conference contenders has transformed into a test of depth, resolve, and survival. Milwaukee’s rocky 10-13 start only amplifies the tension, with the team struggling to find rhythm even before losing their anchor.Fan excitement for a crucial game has quickly shifted to concern. Antetokounmpo’s absence removes the trademark explosiveness, highlight dunks, and matchup-breaking dominance that the Bucks rely on. Instead, the focus now rests on how the roster adjusts and whether Milwaukee can slow down a Philadelphia squad dealing with its own injury setbacks but still armed with firepower.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Injury Report vs the Philadelphia 76ers (December 5, 2025)
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out due to a right calf strain suffered during the Bucks’ recent win over the Pistons. The injury initially raised fears of an Achilles issue, but imaging confirmed a calf strain expected to sideline him for 2-4 weeks. Before exiting, he had been delivering an MVP-caliber season with averages of 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while shooting an astonishing 63.9 percent from the field. His performance kept Milwaukee competitive amid rising trade chatter and inconsistency.Without him, the Milwaukee Bucks revisit a troubling trend. Last season, Milwaukee went 8-7 without Giannis Antetokounmpo – acceptable in isolation, but not for a team currently scrambling for stability in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report Breakdown vs the Philadelphia 76ers (December 5, 2025)
Both teams stumble into Fiserv Forum with significant injuries shaping the night. For Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo is joined by Taurean Prince, who is out for the season with a herniated disc, tightening an already thin rotation. Philadelphia deals with an equally daunting list: Joel Embiid sits out due to knee concerns on the second night of a back-to-back, while Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford remain sidelined with respective knee and adductor injuries. The good news for the Sixers is the return of Paul George, whose scoring presence offers a crucial boost.
Who Steps Up? Matchups and Lineup Expectations
Milwaukee is expected to start Bobby Portis in the frontcourt alongside Myles Turner, giving them a physical but less dynamic pairing in Giannis’ absence. Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins assume control of the backcourt, a combination that must generate offense while absorbing heavy defensive pressure.Philadelphia leans squarely on Tyrese Maxey, who enters averaging 32.6 points per game and remains their most explosive threat. Quentin Grimes is also positioned for an increased role, helping to stabilize a roster still waiting for full health. With both teams depleted, tonight’s contest becomes a gritty, unpredictable battle, one where pride, momentum, and resilience take center stage, but Milwaukee’s outlook dims considerably without its franchise cornerstone.