The Washington Wizards head to Milwaukee to face the Bucks in an Eastern Conference matchup on New Year’s Eve. The struggling Wizards, mired at the bottom of the East, seek to upset a Bucks team that’s been inconsistent but shows signs of turning things around under Doc Rivers. Without key pieces like Kyle Kuzma for Washington and facing a healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Milwaukee, this could be a lopsided affair, though the Wizards’ youth might spark some fireworks in a holiday game.
Venue Location
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This 17,341-capacity arena, opened in 2018, is known for its modern design and energetic crowds, particularly during end-of-year contests.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT). The game will be broadcast on FDSWI (Bucks feed), MNMT (Wizards feed), and NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Injuries plague both squads, but Washington’s list is more extensive, thinning their rotation significantly.
Washington Wizards:
Malaki Branham: Questionable (Right Calf Soreness)
Kyshawn George: Out (Left Hip Flexor Strain)
Tre Johnson: Probable (Left Ankle Sprain)
Corey Kispert: Out (Right Shoulder Strain)
Kyle Kuzma: Out (Left Rib Fracture)
Jonas Valanciunas: Questionable (Right Knee Soreness)
Jaylin Williams: Out (Right Heel Bursitis)
The Wizards’ frontcourt is depleted without Kuzma and potentially Valanciunas, forcing reliance on younger players like Bilal Coulibaly.
Milwaukee Bucks:
Alex Antetokounmpo: Out (G League – Two-Way)
Pete Nance: Out (G League – Two-Way)
Milwaukee is relatively healthy, with stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard available, though depth pieces are sidelined.
Key Player Matchups
This game highlights Milwaukee’s star power against Washington’s scrappy youth, with mismatches favoring the Bucks.
Jordan Poole (WAS) vs. Damian Lillard (MIL): Poole’s scoring flashes (around 20 PPG) face Lillard’s veteran efficiency (24 PPG, high assists). Lillard’s experience could exploit Poole’s defensive lapses.
Bilal Coulibaly (WAS) vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL): Coulibaly’s athleticism meets Giannis’ dominance (28 PPG, 12 RPG). Without Kuzma, Coulibaly may guard the Greek Freak, a tough task given Giannis’ physicality.
Alexandre Sarr (WAS) vs. Brook Lopez (MIL): Rookie Sarr’s potential rim protection versus Lopez’s spacing (2 BPG, strong threes). Lopez could pull Sarr out, opening lanes for Milwaukee.
Bench Battle: Saddiq Bey (WAS) vs. Bobby Portis (MIL): Bey’s energy off the pine against Portis’ scoring punch (14 PPG). Milwaukee’s depth edges here.
The Bucks’ offense (114 PPG) should overwhelm Washington’s poor defense (allowing 120+ PPG).
The Wizards remain in rebuild mode, while the Bucks hover around play-in contention despite a slow start.
Recent Team Forms
Washington continues to struggle, while Milwaukee shows improvement.
Washington Wizards (Last 10 Games: 4-6)
Averaging 115.1 PPG, allowing ~118 PPG (-3 margin)
Key wins: Upset 138-117 vs. Toronto (recent), strong shooting nights.
Losses: Consistent defensive issues, including blowouts.
Form: W-L-W-L-L (Alternating, but poor road form; Poole leading with 20+ PPG lately).
Milwaukee Bucks (Last 10 Games: 5-5)
Averaging ~112 PPG, allowing ~110 PPG (+2 margin recently)
Key wins: 112-103 at Chicago (Dec 27), Giannis’ dominance.
Losses: Inconsistencies, but home strength.
Form: W-L-W-L-W (Balanced, with Giannis averaging 30+ PPG; improved defense at home).
Series History
The Bucks lead the all-time series 136-97 in 233 regular-season games. Milwaukee has dominated recently, winning 7 of the last 10, including a 116-101 victory earlier this season. In the past 5 meetings, the Bucks are 4-1. Games often trend over the total (4 of last 6), averaging 225 points, with Milwaukee 6-4 ATS in recent H2H.
Betting Trends
Spread: Bucks 4-1 ATS last 5; Wizards 12-19 ATS overall.
Total Over/Under: Over in 54.8% of Wizards games; over in 4/6 recent H2H.
Other Trends: MIL 3-2 SU last 5; 8-8 ATS at home. WAS 4-6 SU last 10; 3-13 ATS on road. Bucks 6-4 ATS vs. East; Wizards 0-5 ATS as +10 or more underdogs.
Game Odds
Washington Wizards 231.5
Milwaukee Bucks – 10.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 30, 2025
