The Milwaukee Bucks host the Washington Wizards tonight at Fiserv Forum to open their 2025-26 season.
Milwaukee arrives with renewed ambition after a summer retooling for more speed, size, and shot creation. The addition of veteran big man Myles Turner alongside franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo gives the Bucks a fresh interior presence and rim protection duo designed to reassert their dominance early.
On paper, tonight’s matchup shouldn’t pose major trouble. But a looming storyline will hover over Milwaukee’s season — whether this could be Giannis’s last dance with the Bucks. If the new-look roster struggles to mesh by midseason, trade rumors could intensify.
Washington remains in full rebuild mode. Rookie Tre Johnson, the No. 6 overall pick out of Texas, headlines a young core filled with recent first-rounders. Veterans Khris Middleton and C.J. McCollum offer leadership and scoring balance, though Middleton’s contract could make him a trade candidate — possibly even back to Milwaukee if both sides see fit.
Injuries already complicate things for the Wizards, who are without wing Bilal Coulibaly (thumb) and may miss rookie Will Riley (ankle). That leaves the team leaning heavily on young talent like Cam Whitmore and Alex Sarr to carry the load against a far deeper opponent.
Predictions
Milwaukee’s depth and roster upgrades give them a clear edge, particularly at home. Washington’s youth will fight hard, but expect a double-digit Bucks win.
Prediction: Bucks 120, Wizards 105
Injury Report
Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo — Upgraded to Available (Back)
Washington Wizards
Bilal Coulibaly — Out (Thumb Surgery)
How to Watch Wizards vs. Bucks
Tip-off for tonight’s Washington Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks game is set for 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central at Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The game airs live on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin and Monumental Sports Network.
Fans in the Bucks broadcast market without a FanDuel Sports Network subscription can purchase one on Amazon here.
Out-of-market viewers can stream the matchup on NBA League Pass for free on Amazon Prime Video with a 7-day free trial here.
Amazon also offers a discounted subscription that starts at $12.74 for the first two months (then $16.99/month). The subscription also includes access to NBA TV.
Fans can also choose a Team Pass to follow one team’s games for $13.99 per month.
Washington Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central
Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, Monumental Sports Network
Streaming: NBA League Pass (out-of-market)