The Bucks lost 127-116 at Philadelphia on Saturday, their third straight defeat to open 2026-27. They never led by more than seven, and Monday brings the Pacers to Fiserv Forum.
Last season
Milwaukee finished 32-50 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016-17. The offense ranked 24th, the defense 26th, and the net mark was minus-6.1. That is the floor this roster is trying to climb from, and three games in, the climb has not begun.
June 23
The franchise changed shape. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Portis went to Miami for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware and Kasparas Jakucionis. The same draft brought Brayden Burries at 10th and Nate Ament at 13th. Taylor Jenkins took over a team with no settled identity and a young core.
October 19
The Bucks cut Kevin Porter Jr. and re-signed Pete Nance to a two-way deal the next day. On Saturday, Hoops Rumors reported that Milwaukee turned down a Nuggets trade for Porter. The report gave no terms, and it came five days after the release.
Saturday, October 24
Philadelphia won without LeBron James. Joel Embiid had 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and Jaylen Brown added 27. Jaquez scored 21 and Ware had 19 points and 13 rebounds. Milwaukee got within 114-117 late, then Philadelphia closed on an 8-0 run. The Journal Sentinel called Ament's debut special.
Sunday
The standings are tight. The 10th seed, Chicago, is 1-2, one game ahead. Sixth-place Washington is 2-1. Seventy-nine games remain, so the damage is small. The real worry is a pattern: three games, three double-digit or near-double-digit losses, and a rotation still leaning on Nance and Jericho Sims.
What is the Bucks' record in 2026-27?
Milwaukee is 0-3 and sits 15th in the East after losses to the Wizards, Bulls and 76ers.
When do the Bucks play next?
They host the Pacers on Monday, October 26, then the Rockets on Wednesday, October 28.
