The Charlotte Hornets (11-22) face the Milwaukee Bucks (14-20) in an Eastern Conference tilt, with the Hornets looking to snap a potential slump against a Bucks team that’s shown flashes but struggled for consistency.
Charlotte enters after a 132-125 home loss to the Golden State Warriors on January 1, while Milwaukee fell 114-113 at home to the Washington Wizards on New Year’s Day, marking their second loss to the Wizards this season.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This 17,500-seat arena, opened in 2018, is known for its modern design and energetic crowds, serving as the Bucks’ home and a hub for major events.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT). The game will air on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (FDSSE) and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (FDSWI), with streaming via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with notable absences, impacting depth and star power.
Charlotte Hornets: Ryan Kalkbrenner is out (elbow). Mason Plumlee is out (groin surgery, at least six weeks). Miles Bridges is a game-time decision (ankle). LaMelo Ball remains sidelined (ankle), and Grant Williams is out (knee surgery). The team has not fully submitted updates, but these injuries thin their frontcourt and playmaking.
Milwaukee Bucks: Taurean Prince is out (neck). Alex Antetokounmpo is out (G League assignment). No other major updates, but the Bucks applied for a Disabled Player Exception for Prince, indicating a longer absence.
These injuries could force Charlotte to rely on backups like Tidjane Salaün in the frontcourt, while Milwaukee may lean on Giannis Antetokounmpo more heavily.
Player Matchups
Without key pieces, matchups favor Milwaukee’s experience. Watch for:
Collin Sexton (CHA) vs. Gary Trent Jr. (MIL): Sexton’s scoring (if stepping up for Ball) faces Trent’s perimeter defense. Trent could limit drives, forcing inefficient shots.
Brandon Miller (CHA) vs. Khris Middleton (MIL): Miller’s emerging offense (20+ PPG potential) meets Middleton’s veteran scoring (18 PPG). This wing battle could influence three-point volume.
Josh Green (CHA) vs. Damian Lillard (MIL): Green’s defense tests Lillard’s playmaking (25 PPG, 7 APG). Lillard might exploit mismatches for pull-ups.
Mark Williams (CHA) vs. Brook Lopez (MIL): Williams’ rebounding clashes with Lopez’s rim protection (top in blocks). Lopez’s spacing could pull Williams out, opening lanes for Giannis.
Milwaukee edges most positions, especially in the paint with Giannis vs. a depleted Hornets frontcourt.
Recent Team Forms
The Hornets have gone 4-6 in their last 10, averaging 112 PPG but allowing 118, with losses like the recent 132-125 to Golden State highlighting defensive issues. They’ve shot 47% FG in wins but struggled with turnovers.
The Bucks are 3-7 in their last 10, scoring 115 PPG but conceding 116, including the 114-113 loss to Washington. They’ve relied on Giannis (30+ PPG recently) but lack focus, going 3-2 in recent home games.
| Team | Last 10 Games | Win Streak | PPG Scored | PPG Allowed | Key Trend |
| Hornets | 4-6 | L1 | 112.0 | 118.5 | 5-1 ATS in last 6 games oddsshark.com +1 |
| Bucks | 3-7 | L1 | 115.2 | 116.0 | 3-2 in last 5 home games sofascore.com +1 |
Series History
The Bucks lead the all-time series 72-62 in 134 regular-season games.
In the last 20 meetings, Milwaukee is 13-7.
This season, the Bucks are 2-1 against Charlotte, including a 123-113 win on December 29, 2025.
Milwaukee is 6-4 in their last 10 home games vs. the Hornets. The teams meet one more time this season.
Betting Trends
Hornets Trends: Charlotte is 17-16 ATS overall and 6-10 ATS on the road. They’re 5-1 ATS in their last 6 but 1-4 ATS as underdogs of 2+ points. The over has hit in 6 of 10 games.
Bucks Trends: Milwaukee is 14-20 ATS and 8-8 ATS at home. They’ve covered 3 of their last 5 but are 7-9 ATS as favorites. The under has hit in 6 of 10 recent games.
Series Trends: In the last 10 matchups, the home team is 6-4 ATS, with the over hitting 7 times (average 230 points).
Game Odds
Charlotte Hornets 231.5
Milwaukee Bucks – 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 1, 2026
