The Milwaukee Bucks (13-19) travel to Charlotte to face the Hornets (11-20) on Monday, December 29, with tip-off set for 7:00 p.m. ET at Spectrum Center.
Milwaukee enters on a one-game winning streak after defeating Chicago 112-103 on December 27, snapping a loss to Memphis 125-104 the previous night. Charlotte has struggled recently.
Injuries could shape the matchup. The Bucks will be without Alex Antetokounmpo, Pete Nance, Taurean Prince, and Mark Sears, while Gary Trent Jr. is listed as questionable with a left calf contusion.
Charlotte faces multiple absences, including Ryan Kalkbrenner (left elbow sprain), Kon Knueppel (right ankle sprain), Mason Plumlee (right groin strain), and Grant Williams (right knee surgery). Sion James is questionable due to illness.
Milwaukee’s offense is led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averages 28.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists over 28.9 minutes per game. Kevin Porter Jr. contributes 19.1 points, 7.4 assists, and 2.5 steals per contest, while Ryan Rollins adds 17.2 points and 5.8 assists.
Role players Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma offer scoring depth with 12.7 and 13.5 points per game, respectively, while A.J. Green and Myles Turner provide shooting and rebounding support. Gary Trent Jr. remains a potential contributor if cleared to play.
Charlotte relies on Miles Bridges, averaging 20.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, and LaMelo Ball, who adds 19.7 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds. Brandon Miller contributes 17.9 points per game, with Kon Knueppel adding 19.3 points when healthy.
The Hornets’ supporting cast includes Moussa Diabaté (8.1 rebounds, 8.0 points), Collin Sexton (15.3 points, 4.0 assists), and Tidjane Salaün, shooting 45.7% from three-point range off the bench. Injuries to Plumlee and Kalkbrenner could test Charlotte’s frontcourt depth.
