The Milwaukee Bucks are facing critical challenges in the ongoing 2025-26 NBA season. As of December 29, the team holds a 13-19 record and is currently sitting outside the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. With the Charlotte Hornets coming up as their next opponent, the Bucks aim to solidify their standings and avoid further losses.
Upcoming Game Against the Charlotte Hornets
The Bucks will clash with the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. This matchup is crucial for Milwaukee, who already fell to Charlotte earlier this season. A loss on December 29 would worsen their record and jeopardize any future tiebreaker scenario against the rebuilding Hornets.
Coaching Insights
Head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged the pressure stemming from the team’s struggles. “We’ve had a lot of injuries and we feel we have to win as quickly as we can,” Rivers stated, indicating the urgency the team feels to perform better.
Player Status: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Star player Giannis Antetokounmpo returned on December 27 after a three-week absence due to a calf injury. During his comeback, Giannis showcased his skills by scoring 29 points in a win against the Chicago Bulls. However, he remains under a 25-minute playing restriction for the foreseeable future.
Injury Report
The Hornets will miss rookie sensation Kon Knueppel due to a right ankle sprain. The forward has been a vital player, averaging 19.3 points per game. Charlotte’s head coach, Charles Lee, expressed confidence in daily evaluations regarding Knueppel’s recovery.
Game Day Details
- Game Time: 6 p.m. CT
- Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin
Bucks’ Starting Lineup
Following Giannis’s return, the probable starting lineup for the Bucks includes:
- Guards: Kevin Porter Jr., AJ Green, Ryan Rollins
- Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Center: Myles Turner
This combination has seen success, recording three wins out of four games played together. According to advanced statistics, this lineup excels offensively and defensively compared to the league averages.
Eastern Conference Update
As of now, the Bucks are just one game behind the Atlanta Hawks for the final play-in spot. They are five games away from the Philadelphia 76ers, who occupy the sixth playoff position. However, the Bucks have struggled against the 76ers this season, losing both contests.
Giannis Leads All-Star Voting
Despite recent injuries, Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Eastern Conference in the initial fan voting for the 2026 All-Star game. As of December 29, he has garnered 1,192,296 votes, surpassing competitors like Tyrese Maxey from Philadelphia.
This year’s All-Star game format has changed, featuring a round-robin tournament with three teams. Expect a highly competitive event on February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
The stakes are high for the Bucks as they move forward. Winning against the Hornets is essential for maintaining playoff aspirations and capitalizing on Giannis’s return to form.
