Sun Feb 22 19:40:00 UTC 2026: # Raptors Face Bucks on the Road, Both Teams Grappling with Key Player Absences
The Story:
The Toronto Raptors are set to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup. The Raptors, holding a 33-23 record, are coming off a victory against the Chicago Bulls led by Brandon Ingram’s 31 points. However, they will be without Scottie Barnes due to personal reasons. The Bucks, with a 24-30 record, are entering the game after a win against the New Orleans Pelicans, spurred by Ryan Rollins’ 27 points. Milwaukee, however, is still without Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a calf strain, and Myles Turner is questionable with a similar injury.
Key Points:
- The Toronto Raptors (33-23) play the Milwaukee Bucks (24-30) on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
- Scottie Barnes is out for the Raptors due to personal reasons.
- Brandon Ingram led the Raptors to victory over the Bulls with 31 points.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo remains sidelined for the Bucks with a right calf strain for the past 10 games.
- Myles Turner is questionable for the Bucks with a right calf strain.
- Ryan Rollins scored 27 points for the Bucks in their win against the Pelicans.
Key Takeaways:
- Both the Raptors and Bucks are facing significant challenges due to key player injuries and absences.
- The absence of Barnes will force the Raptors to rely on other players like Ja’Kobe Walter, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Gradey Dick.
- The Bucks’ continued reliance on players like Kyle Kuzma and Ousmane Dieng in Giannis’s absence indicates a struggle to maintain consistent performance.
- The game’s outcome will heavily depend on how the role players step up in the absence of their key teammates.
- The timing of the game at 3:30 p.m. EST suggests a national broadcast slot, increasing the game’s visibility.