Giannis Antetokounmpo is dealing with calf injury (Image via NBA) Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to play Monday night when the Milwaukee Bucks face the Charlotte Hornets on December 29, 2025. There is nothing on the injury report suggesting the Bucks plan to hold him out after his recent return from a calf strain.Milwaukee arrives in Charlotte looking steadier than it has in weeks. Antetokounmpo’s return has given the team its structure back on both ends of the floor, and this game offers another chance to stack wins after a rough stretch without him.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’ injury status heading into the Charlotte Hornets game (December 29, 2025)
The Milwaukee Bucks’ injury report lists Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince, but Giannis Antetokounmpo is not included. Game previews and team notes consistently describe Milwaukee as playing with its star back in the lineup, which points clearly toward him being available for this matchup.
How Giannis Antetokounmpo’s calf injury happened
Giannis Antetokounmpo injured his right calf on December 3 against the Detroit Pistons. The strain occurred on a non-contact play, and he exited the game early. Early timelines suggested he could miss two to four weeks. The team, led by head coach Doc Rivers, took a careful approach, mindful of the risks that come with calf injuries.
What he showed in his return
After missing eight games, Antetokounmpo returned over the weekend and looked comfortable quickly. He scored 29 points in a 112–103 win over the Chicago Bulls and played with his usual pace and force. After the game, he said he felt some rust and discomfort, which he expected, but made it clear that being back on the court was the priority.
Why Giannis’ presence matters against Charlotte Hornets
With Antetokounmpo in the lineup, Milwaukee looks like a different team. During one stretch without him, the Bucks went 3–11 and struggled to score inside or control games defensively. His return stabilizes both areas.Charlotte is short-handed in the frontcourt, with Mason Plumlee, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Grant Williams all out. That puts added pressure on the Hornets to deal with Antetokounmpo’s size and strength near the basket.
Bucks vs Hornets Injury notes to watch (December 29, 2025)
For Milwaukee Bucks, Taurean Prince remains out with a neck issue. Gary Trent Jr. is dealing with a calf problem and has been listed around this period as questionable or a game-time decision. Charlotte Hornets’ injury list includes Kon Knueppel (ankle), Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow), Mason Plumlee (groin), and Grant Williams (knee), leaving LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Brandon Miller to carry most of the load.Also read: Milwaukee Bucks vs Charlotte Hornets regular season game: Full injury report, who’s out, where to watch and more (December 29, 2025)If Antetokounmpo plays as expected, the Bucks will have another clear chance to keep their season moving in the right direction.