Struggling Eastern Conference squads meet Monday night as the Charlotte Hornets host the Milwaukee Bucks at the Spectrum Center.
The Bucks (13–19, 11th East) have seemingly been revived by the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who punctuated his comeback Saturday against the Bulls with a win and a windmill slam. The Hornets (11–20, 12th East) are coming off a Friday win over the Magic, but lost promising rookie Kon Knueppel to an ankle sprain in the process.
The squads have already met twice this season. The Hornets won on Nov. 12 with Antetokounmpo sidelined. Two nights later, the former Finals MVP rejoined the lineup and dropped 25 points, 18 assists, and seven rebounds in an overtime victory in Milwaukee.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Milwaukee Bucks
- Out: Taurean Prince (Neck)
- Questionable: Gary Trent Jr. (Calf)
Charlotte Hornets
- Out: Ryan Kalkbrenner (Elbow), Kon Knueppel (Ankle), Mason Plumlee (Groin), Grant Williams (Knee)
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. Milwaukee enters as a 3.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Charlotte is listed as a +130 underdog. The game’s total is set at 228.5 points.
Bucks vs. Hornets Preview
Milwaukee Bucks Preview
Sidelined amid a swirl of trade rumors, Giannis Antetokounmpo returned Saturday and seemingly emphasized that he’s set on sparking a turnaround for the Bucks. In Chicago, the two-time MVP poured in 29 points and grabbed eight rebounds, punctuating his comeback with a ferocious windmill slam in the final seconds — even with Milwaukee’s win already secured.
Antetokounmpo’s emphatic violation of basketball’s unwritten rule ignited a brief skirmish, exactly the jolt he intended to “wake up” his struggling squad.
The return of the Greek Freak dramatically reshapes Milwaukee’s season outlook. Through 18 games, he’s averaging 28.9 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 64% from the field and 42% from deep. Flanked by burgeoning guards Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, Antetokounmpo could forgo a trade and instead attempt to catalyze the Bucks’ return to glory.
Charlotte Hornets Preview
For the first time in a long time, the Hornets have a sense of optimism for the future — albeit a distant one. While they’re in no position to compete for a title anytime soon, they’re trending upward behind a blossoming young core anchored by promising rookie Kon Knueppel. The fourth overall pick, drafted just a few spots behind former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg, is averaging 19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game on outstanding 48/43/90 splits.
However, Knueppel will be sidelined for Monday’s contest after suffering a sprained ankle in Friday’s win over the Orlando Magic. So will fellow rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner, the team’s trusty seven-footer who averages the NBA’s fourth most blocks per game (1.8).
While the Hornets still have talent — namely, star point guard LaMelo Ball and leading scorer Miles Bridges — their ceiling shrinks significantly without central members of their young core. Against a motivated Giannis, that’s a troubling sign.
Bucks vs. Hornets Pick, Best Bet
Monday night’s contest shapes up as a tale of two injuries — one healed and revitalizing, the other fresh and debilitating. Antetokounmpo’s return injects the Bucks with new life, more than enough to comfortably cover the modest 3.5-point spread against the short-handed Hornets.
