Charlotte Hornets vs Milwaukee Bucks (Image via Getty) The Charlotte Hornets travel to Milwaukee on January 2, 2026, for a regular-season game that is shaped largely by health rather than form. Charlotte arrives short-handed in the frontcourt, while Milwaukee has most of its core available. That contrast sets up a matchup where size, rebounding, and shot selection could matter more than pace or style.This game also reflects where both teams are right now. The Hornets are trying to stay competitive while juggling injuries and uneven rotations. The Bucks are looking for stability at home, relying on their main pieces to control the game without needing to adjust on the fly.
Charlotte Hornets vs Milwaukee Bucks Game details and betting outlook (January 2, 2026)
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Bucks enter with a 14-20 record, while the Charlotte Hornets are 11-22. Milwaukee is listed as a 6-point favorite, with the total set around 232.5 points.Earlier meetings between these teams this season were shaped by injuries on both sides, forcing younger players into larger roles. This time, the imbalance is clearer, especially in the paint.
Charlotte Hornets vs Milwaukee Bucks Injury report and roster impact (January 2, 2025)
Charlotte Hornets’ issues are concentrated among its bigs. Miles Bridges is listed as probable with a right ankle sprain and is expected to play, though his workload could be managed. Moussa Diabaté is questionable due to a right wrist sprain. Ryan Kalkbrenner is out with a left elbow injury. Mason Plumlee remains sidelined after right groin surgery, and Grant Williams is out following right knee surgery.Milwaukee Bucks’ injury list is lighter. Giannis Antetokounmpo is not listed after earlier calf and knee concerns and is expected to play his normal minutes. Taurean Prince is out following neck surgery, which limits forward depth, but the rest of the main rotation is available.
Where to watch and listen to Charlotte Hornets vs Milwaukee Bucks tonight (January 2, 2025)
The game will be shown regionally on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast in the Charlotte Hornets market and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin in the Milwaukee Bucks market. Streaming is available through live-TV services that carry those channels, depending on location. Live stats and box scores can be followed on NBA.com, ESPN, and FOX Sports. Hornets radio coverage is available on WFNZ 92.7 FM and its affiliated AM stations.
Matchups that matter in Hornets vs Bucks
LaMelo Ball remains central to everything Charlotte does. He is averaging about 20 points and 8 assists and carries the offense through ball movement and shot creation. Milwaukee will focus on making his reads harder by using size and staying disciplined on closeouts.Giannis Antetokounmpo faces a Hornets frontcourt missing several rotation players. Without Plumlee, Kalkbrenner, and Williams, Charlotte may need to send help early, which could leave shooters open. Bridges and Brandon Miller will be asked to score while also covering ground defensively.
What the Hornets vs Bucks game may look like
Charlotte is likely to push the pace early and lean on perimeter shooting. Over time, Milwaukee’s size and pressure inside should start to show, especially if Giannis gets downhill consistently. This has the look of a game that stays close for stretches before one sustained Bucks run creates separation.