Bucks’ Kevin Porter Jr. Sidelined Four Weeks After Meniscus Injury

The Milwaukee Bucks will be without starting guard Kevin Porter Jr. for the next four weeks as he recovers from a meniscus injury in his right knee. The 25-year-old will undergo a minor orthopedic procedure to address the issue, the team announced Friday, marking another setback after he had only recently returned from an ankle sprain suffered on opening night.

Porter sustained the knee injury Thursday during a workout session at the team’s practice facility, just as he was nearing full recovery from his earlier ankle ailment. The incident halts what had been a promising start to his second season in Milwaukee, where he had quickly established himself as a key part of the backcourt rotation.

After joining the Bucks at last season’s trade deadline, Porter played 30 games with the team, averaging 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while adjusting to his new role alongside stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The organization had expected him to take another step forward this year as the full-time starting point guard.

Now, the Bucks will need to adjust their guard rotation for at least the next month as Porter focuses on rehabilitation and recovery before being re-evaluated.

1. Promising Start Cut Short

Porter’s strong performance in the season opener offered an early glimpse of his potential before injuries disrupted his rhythm. Against the Washington Wizards on October 22, he tallied 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting in the first quarter before rolling his left ankle late in the period. The injury sidelined him for multiple games and limited his conditioning as the Bucks began their 2025 campaign. Just as Porter appeared ready to rejoin the lineup, his right knee issue surfaced. The team’s medical staff initially classified it as soreness before an MRI revealed the meniscus problem that now requires a minor surgical procedure. While the injury is not considered severe, the team is proceeding cautiously to prevent further complications. Porter’s versatility and quick decision-making had been critical in balancing Milwaukee’s offensive flow, particularly in transition. His absence creates a noticeable gap in playmaking and defensive pressure in the backcourt. Despite the setback, the Bucks remain confident that Porter will make a full recovery. The organization expects him to resume on-court activities by early December if the rehabilitation progresses smoothly.

2. Rollins Steps Up in Expanded Role

With Porter sidelined, second-year guard Ryan Rollins has stepped into the starting lineup and delivered impressive performances. Over the past two games, Rollins has posted career highs in scoring, averaging 18.6 points and 5.0 assists while shooting 52.4% from the field. His emergence has helped stabilize Milwaukee’s guard rotation during a stretch of roster uncertainty. Head coach Doc Rivers praised Rollins’ poise and adaptability, noting that the young guard has brought energy and composure to the team’s offensive execution. “Ryan’s been fearless,” Rivers said. “He’s playing with confidence, moving the ball well, and taking smart shots. That’s exactly what we need while we’re down a few guys.” Rollins’ recent surge has also given Milwaukee an unexpected boost off the dribble, easing some of the offensive burden on Antetokounmpo and Lillard. The Bucks have leaned on more motion-based sets and off-ball screens to compensate for Porter’s absence, allowing Rollins and Malik Beasley to share playmaking duties. The Bucks will continue to evaluate lineup combinations in the coming weeks, with the goal of maintaining pace and ball movement while awaiting Porter’s return.

3. Focus Shifts to Recovery and Depth

The Bucks have prioritized player health early in the season, opting for a cautious approach with multiple players recovering from minor injuries. Porter’s situation, while frustrating for both player and team, is being managed with long-term stability in mind. His four-week recovery window ensures sufficient time to address the injury without risking reinjury. Milwaukee’s depth will be tested during this stretch, but the team has expressed confidence in its backcourt depth and veteran leadership. With Rollins emerging, Beasley providing shooting stability, and Lillard commanding the offense, the Bucks expect to remain competitive while Porter works his way back. The injury also underscores the challenges of early-season durability for teams balancing heavy workloads and new rotations. For Porter, the priority remains returning fully healthy to contribute to the Bucks’ playoff ambitions later in the year. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir=“auto” tabindex="-1" data-turn-id=“request-690591a4-205c-8320-a1a2-4eb74a1fcaf3-6” data-testid=“conversation-turn-30” data-scroll-anchor=“true” data-turn=“assistant”>

Kevin Porter Jr.’s meniscus injury sidelines him for four weeks, forcing the Bucks to lean on rising guard Ryan Rollins as they navigate the early part of the season without their starting point guard.