The Milwaukee Bucks will open the 2025-26 NBA season without one of their key stars, Damian Lillard, marking the end of an iconic two-year partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Together, the duo led the Bucks to the 3rd and 5th seeds in the past two seasons. However, this offseason, Milwaukee retooled by adding Myles Turner to strengthen its frontcourt defense. Their preseason opener against the Miami Heat on October 6 will serve as a perfect early test of how the Bucks will perform.

Beyond Damian Lillard’s departure, the Milwaukee Bucks face another challenge: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s unconventional return to training camp. After leading Greece to a historic bronze medal at EuroBasket 2025, Giannis contracted COVID-19 while still overseas, forcing him to miss the team’s media day on September 29. He returned to the U.S. on Friday, October 3, and rejoined the Bucks’ training camp the next day. Though back on the court, the two-time MVP is still regaining full strength as he continues his recovery.

Despite his return to practice, Giannis has acknowledged that he’s not yet at full strength. He stated, “Obviously, I think it took a toll on my body. I’m not feeling 100 percent yet, physically. Just take it day by day…Tomorrow, a little better. I got 18 days until the first game, so I think I’ll be fine.” Given this, it’s more likely that he will rest throughout the preseason to ensure he’s fully prepared for the regular season.

The roster that will play tonight includes key players like Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., Kyle Kuzma, and Cole Anthony, giving fans a first glimpse of the revamped lineup in action. Here’s the Injury report of the Bucks as per ESPN.

Here’s the Miami Heat’s injury report.

Tonight’s preseason opener is off at 7:30 PM ET at the Kaseya Center in Miami. Fans can catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network Sun, while streaming options are available through FuboTV, which also offers a free trial for first-time viewers. Live scores, stats, and highlights can be followed via ESPN Gamecast or the NBA’s official game page.

Milwaukee must deliver now as Giannis pushes for another championship

Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks has been a topic of speculation throughout the offseason. Numerous rumors have suggested that he might leave, but Giannis himself reaffirmed his dedication to the team, making it clear that he is here to stay. But he isn’t sticking around without a goal. “The same thing I’ve been saying my whole career, I want to be on a team that allows me, gives me a chance to win a championship, and wants to compete at a high level.”

Even in the commitment, there’ a message: “I think it’s a disservice to basketball, it’s a disservice just to the game to not want to compete at a high level, to not want your season to end in April. So, it’s pretty much the same. It’s not the first time. I had the same thoughts last year, I had the same thoughts two years ago, I had the same thoughts five years ago, yeah, 2020, so it’s never gonna change. I want to be among the best, I want to compete with the best, and I want to win another championship, and that’s it.” So it is better that the Bucks perform well and aim for a ring to keep their star home.

The Milwaukee Bucks made strategic offseason moves to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo motivated and well-supported. Yes, they waived Lillard but signed stretch big Myles Turner from the Pacers, strengthening the roster. Besides this, the Bucks owner Wes Edens claimed he had “a great conversation with Giannis in June,” emphasizing the star’s commitment to Milwaukee and his love for the city. Giannis, however, said he “cannot recall” such a meeting. Still, all eyes are on what he’ll deliver once fully back in action.