The Milwaukee Bucks’ matchup against the Washington Wizards took a sudden turn when Kevin Porter Jr. exited the game, heading to the locker room. The injury seems to have occurred during a defensive possession in the fourth quarter. It immediately raised concern for the 25-year-old guard, who has already spent a significant time early this season on the injury list.

“Kevin Porter Jr. (back) won’t return Monday,” Underdog reported on X, citing the Bucks’ official report.

Justin Garcia of Locked on Bucks reported that the team’s lead guard is dealing with lower back spasms, though the extent remains uncertain.

Before exiting, Porter delivered one of his best performances as a Buck. In 31 minutes, he recorded 30 points on 12-15 shooting, along with four rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

His +13 plus/minus reflected the impact he had on the floor, highlighting how significant his absence became as the game unfolded. The Bucks lost to the Wizards by three points.

In the offseason, Milwaukee had re-signed Porter to a two-year, $10.5 million deal after he declined his $2.5 million player option earlier this summer. But he has played just three of the Bucks’ 22 games this season. He suffered a left ankle sprain just one game into the season, and during recovery, was set back further by a torn right meniscus. This also coincided with Giannis Antetokounmpo missing a few games, leaving the Bucks with a seven-game losing streak.

In his absence, the team has leaned on AJ Green and Ryan Rollins at the guard spots, and this is likely to continue as they prioritize spacing the floor around Antetokounmpo. Just a few days ago, Porter helped snap the Bucks’ losing streak with a win in his first game back, against the Brooklyn Nets.

Now, his health remains critical if the team hopes to stay competitive.

Kevin Porter Jr. Details the Setback From Back Spasm Reaggravation

After the game, Kevin Porter Jr. admitted the pain wasn’t sudden; it had been brewing.

“Last game back I felt a little something in my lower back,” Porter explained, “But I just thought it was soreness coming back… I tried to play through it a little bit, but then I tried it again on the offensive rebound and just caught it.”

With him gone, the Bucks are missing not just a key scorer, but a tempo setter and their secondary ball-handler next to Antetokounmpo.

However, Porter did expect confidence in his recovery and ability to make it back on the court.

“I should be ready by our next game,” Porter told reporters upon being asked about extra information on his injury. “But, I think it’s just ramping up, trying to get back to being in game shape.”

The Bucks have invested in Porter with patience, and now, how Milwaukee adjusts without him could become the hinge of their upcoming stretch.

Next up, they host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.