For the first time since 2015-16, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are in danger of missing the playoffs. 

They are a full six games out of the final Play-In spot, trailing the Charlotte Hornets, who currently sit tenth. 

The Hornets are 8-2 in their last ten games and have been playing winning basketball for the better part of 2026. The Bucks are 3-7 in their last ten games, and haven't looked competitive in recent outings. 

Giannis has only missed the playoffs two times since he came into the league, both of which came within his first three seasons in the league. 

On Thursday against the Miami Heat, the Bucks lost their third straight game, 112-105. They've lost seven of their last eight as their chances to make the Play-In game fall further. 

After the game, Giannis spoke about a season that hasn't gone quite how he expected.

"It's tough. For me, personally, I don't know how the team feels, but for me personally, it's a tough season. It's been a while since, as a team, we've struggled like this. 'We're trying to make the playoffs, we're trying to make the play-in, are we even going to make the play-in?' All those thoughts creep in our heads and the locker room. I haven't had that in a while. I don't think I've ever gotten hurt and missed 25-30 games of a season," he said. 

Giannis noted that he's grateful to be playing, but it is in his nature to win games and that he and the team have to figure out a way to win games. 

Milwaukee started off 4-1, and vibes were high, but they quickly went away. They traded wins and losses until mid-November, rolling into a November 15 game against the Lakers with an 8-5 record. 

They went on to lose seven straight and never really recovered. 

Giannis was in and out of the lineup throughout the year, missing long stretches of time. When he wasn't in the lineup, trade rumors swirled as many wondered his future with the team as they continued to slide.

Individually, Giannis is having his worst scoring season since 2017-18. He's averaged over 30 points per game in each of the last three seasons, but is down to 27.5 points per game this season. 

He's still scoring efficiently, but is taking his least amount of field goals since 2016-17. He's taking a full three fewer field goal attempts than he did last season. 

Even when he's been in the lineup, the Bucks are just 16-19. Milwaukee has the 21st toughest schedule remaining, meaning there's still hope for a potential run, but it has to happen sooner rather than later.