Bucks Adjust Lineup, Favor Bobby Portis Over Gary Trent Jr.

The Milwaukee Bucks made a significant lineup adjustment in their first game without star player Giannis Antetokounmpo, opting to start Bobby Portis at power forward in their matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 1, 2025. This decision underscores the coaching staff’s preference for Portis over Gary Trent Jr., who has struggled in recent performances.

In the absence of Antetokounmpo, who is sidelined due to injury, the Bucks retained Kyle Kuzma at small forward and AJ Green at shooting guard. The choice to go with Portis instead of Trent highlights the latter’s ongoing challenges, particularly his subpar shooting and size limitations against opposing small forwards. Trent’s on-off rating stands at a concerning -26.4, according to analytics from Cleaning the Glass.

Despite the opportunity presented by Antetokounmpo’s injury, Coach Doc Rivers opted for Portis, reflecting a lack of confidence in Trent’s ability to contribute effectively as a starter. Trent had previously started the first 12 games of the season before losing his spot to Kuzma. His difficulties this season have been apparent, leading to this strategic shift in the starting lineup.

Portis’s inclusion paid dividends on the court, as he recorded his best performance of the season with 19 points and eight rebounds, shooting 9-14 from the field. While Trent did log 38 minutes in the game, he only managed to score 11 points on 4-10 shooting, including 3-7 from three-point range.

The Bucks’ decision raises questions about their bench depth and scoring capabilities. With Portis starting, the team loses a significant scoring threat from their bench. The Bucks can attempt to stagger minutes for Portis, Kuzma, and Myles Turner to maintain offensive production, but the absence of a reliable sixth-man scorer like Portis in the second unit presents a challenge. Meanwhile, Jericho Sims contributed modestly with four points and three rebounds in just 16 minutes of play.

Trent’s recent performance has shown improvement, averaging 11 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46% from the floor and 45.5% from beyond the arc over the last four games. Nevertheless, his recent success is not enough to warrant a return to the starting role, and he appears set to continue as a key player off the bench for the Bucks.

As the season progresses, the Bucks will need to navigate these changes carefully, particularly with Antetokounmpo’s absence impacting their lineup dynamics. The reliance on Portis may prove effective in the short term, but the long-term implications of this decision will unfold as the team seeks to maintain its competitive edge in the league.