The Milwaukee Bucks will try to bounce back from a tough loss on New Year’s Eve when they face the Charlotte Hornets on Jan. 2 at Fiserv Forum before heading out on a long road trip.

It’s only been a few days since the teams met. The Bucks (14-20) beat the Hornets (11-22), 123-113, in Charlotte on Dec. 29.

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More: Giannis Antetokounmpo outlined changes for Bucks to start winning

Follow along for live updates from the game:

Rough first half for Kevin Porter Jr.

The Bucks went into the locker room facing a 60-51 deficit, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ryan Rollins combining for 29 points.

Kevin Porter Jr. had four assists for Milwaukee, but his shot was way off in the opening 24 minutes. He shot 0 for 7, including missing four from 3-point range.

Ugly first quarter for the Bucks as Kon Knueppel gets loose

It wasn’t a first quarter that inspired confidence for Bucks fans.

The Hornets took a 38-24 lead after the first 12 minutes, with local product Kon Knueppel scoring 10 points.

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The former Wisconsin Lutheran star had eight points in the last 8 seconds of the first quarter. The Bucks’ Jericho Sims was called for a landing zone flagrant when contesting a 3-pointer from Knueppel, who made two of three free throws. Getting the ball back, Knueppel then eased in for a layup.

Giannis Antetokounmp (10 points) and Ryan Rollins (nine) combined for 19 of the Bucks’ 25 points.

Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing?

Antetekounmpo was a late addition to the injury report as probable with right calf injury management. But before the game, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said Antetokunmpo would play.

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What about Kon Knueppel?

Yes. The Milwaukee-area product had a big game in his hometown debut on Nov. 14, but he missed the game in Charlotte on Dec. 29 with a right ankle injury. Knueppel returned against the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 31.

Taurean Prince, out (neck surgery)

Gary Harris, out (neck strain)

Giannis Antetokounmpo, probable (right calf injury management)

What channel is Bucks vs Hornets on tonight?

TV: FanDuel Sports Wisconsin.

Stream: You can stream the game on the FanDuel Sports Wisconsin app through your television or streaming carrier. Fubo also has a free trial for new subscribers.

Announcers: Lisa Byington (play-by-play), Marques Johnson (analysis) and Melanie Ricks (sideline reporter) will call the game on FanDuel Sports Wisconsin.

Bucks vs Hornets odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Jan. 2

Moneyline: Bucks -225, Hornets +185

Bucks schedule 2025-26

Here are the Bucks’ next five games (all times are Central):

Jan. 2: Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4: at Sacramento, 8 p.m.

Jan. 7: at Golden State, 9 p.m.

Jan. 11: at Denver, 7 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bucks-Hornets: Kevin Porter Jr. has rough first half as Bucks struggle