In an unexpected turn of events, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers will not be on the sidelines for the team's Thursday night matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is taking a leave of absence to attend a funeral, with assistant coach Darvin Ham stepping into the interim head coach role for this crucial game, which precedes the All-Star break. The team also faces challenges with several players sidelined due to injuries, impacting their roster for the upcoming contest.
Bucks Face Thunder with Interim Coach and Key Players Absent
On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Milwaukee Bucks announced that head coach Doc Rivers would miss their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Rivers' absence is due to his attendance at a funeral. Consequently, assistant coach Darvin Ham, 52, will assume the head coaching duties for the evening's contest at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. This pivotal announcement was made less than two hours before the scheduled tip-off, marking the final game for both teams before the NBA All-Star break.
Darvin Ham, who previously served as the head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers for two years, returned to the Bucks' coaching staff in 2024 as a lead assistant. His prior tenure with Milwaukee spanned four years, from 2018 to 2022. During his time with the Lakers, Ham led the team to a 90-74 record and an appearance in the Western Conference Finals.
Further complicating matters for the Bucks, the team's injury report lists several key players. Ryan Rollins, a significant scorer averaging 16.9 points in 51 appearances, is sidelined with right foot plantar fasciitis. Additionally, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been averaging 28.0 points per game in 30 appearances, will miss his ninth consecutive game due to a right calf strain. However, Kyle Kuzma, who was previously listed as questionable with left foot soreness, has been cleared to play.
This game presents a considerable challenge for the Bucks, who will need to adapt quickly under Ham's temporary leadership while managing the absence of key offensive and defensive talents against a formidable Thunder squad.
The temporary leadership change and player injuries for the Milwaukee Bucks highlight the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where personal commitments and physical setbacks can significantly impact team dynamics. It emphasizes the importance of a strong coaching staff and team depth to navigate such challenges. Moreover, it underscores the human element behind the athletes and coaches, reminding us that even in the intense world of professional basketball, personal responsibilities and compassion take precedence. This situation offers an opportunity for assistant coaches like Darvin Ham to demonstrate their leadership capabilities and for other players to step up in the absence of their star teammates.
