Photo: Minnesota Timberwolves/Twitter

Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince has been diagnosed with a herniated disk in his neck and is expected to be out for an extended period, according to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The Bucks confirmed the news through an official team statement on social media, explaining that Prince underwent an MRI last week which revealed the injury.

The team added that he will be sidelined indefinitely while Milwaukee’s medical staff and outside specialists work together to determine the most effective treatment plan.

Prince has appeared in eight games this season but missed the Bucks’ last two matchups after struggling offensively in his previous outing against Toronto, where he went 0-for-5 from the field in 21 minutes.

So far this season, he has averaged 6.1 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 21.1 minutes per game.

Last year, Prince played a much larger role, starting in 73 of 80 games for Milwaukee and averaging 8.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while logging over 27 minutes per contest.

The Bucks re-signed the 31-year-old veteran this past summer to a two-year deal at the veteran’s minimum, valuing his versatility as a two-way wing who can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor with reliable outside shooting.

Prince hit a career-best 43.9 percent of his three-point attempts during the 2024–25 campaign.

With Prince sidelined, head coach Doc Rivers may look to adjust his rotations further. The Bucks have already leaned toward smaller lineups this season, utilizing A.J. Green and Gary Trent Jr. on the wings.

Prince’s absence could open up additional minutes for forwards Kyle Kuzma and Amir Coffey.

Since entering the league in 2016, Prince has suited up for several teams – including the Hawks, Nets, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Lakers – before joining the Bucks, where his combination of experience, shooting, and defensive flexibility has made him a dependable presence off the bench.

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