| MATCHUP | Charlotte Hornets | Milwaukee Bucks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 11-22 | 14-20 |
| Spread | +5.5 -102 | -5.5 -118 |
| Moneyline | +200 | -245 |
| Total | Over 232.5 (-108) | Under 232.5 (-112) |
| Where | Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI | |
| When | Friday, January 2, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | FanDuel SN SE | |
Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview
The Charlotte Hornets lost to the Bucks and Warriors, and they play the Bulls next. The Hornets have lost 4 of their last 6 games.
The Charlotte Hornets are averaging 115.8 points on 45.6 percent shooting and allowing 119 points on 48.9 percent shooting. LaMelo Ball is averaging 20 points and 8.4 assists, while Miles Bridges is averaging 19.9 points and 6.2 rebounds. Kon Knueppel is the third double-digit scorer and Brandon Miller is dishing 3.4 assists. The Charlotte Hornets are shooting 36.5 percent from beyond the arc and 81 percent from the free-throw line. The Charlotte Hornets are allowing 38.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.5 rebounds per game.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Hornets, lost to the Wizards, and they play the Kings next. The Bucks have won 3 of their last 5 games.
The Milwaukee Bucks are averaging 113.1 points on 48.5 percent shooting and allowing 115.9 points on 46.7 percent shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.9 points and 10 rebounds, while Kevin Porter Jr. is averaging 18.8 points and 5.3 rebounds. Ryan Rollins is the third double-digit scorer and Bobby Portis is grabbing 6.4 rebounds. The Milwaukee Bucks are shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc and 73.1 percent from the free throw line. The Milwaukee Bucks are allowing 36.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 40.4 rebounds per game.
Why the Milwaukee Bucks will win
- The Hornets have lost 12 of their last 13 games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a losing record.
- The Bucks have won 11 of their last 12 home games against Hornets teams that held a losing record.
- The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in 12 of their last 13 games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a losing record.
- The Bucks have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games following a loss.
Why the Charlotte Hornets will win
- The Bucks have lost three of their last four games as home favorites.
- The road team has won four of the Bucks’ last five games.
- The Hornets have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games following a home loss.
- The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games at Fiserv Forum following a home loss.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Bucks’ last seven games at Fiserv Forum have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of the Hornets’ last eight games as road underdogs have gone UNDER the total points line.
Milwaukee Bucks Player Facts
- AJ Green ranks 10th amongst qualified players for 3P% (44.5%) this season.
- Ryan Rollins ranks 10th amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.6) this season.
Charlotte Hornets Player Facts
- Collin Sexton ranks T7th in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for FT% (87.5%) this season.
- Brandon Miller ranks 12th amongst qualified Forwards for three-pointers made per game (2.6) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Bucks rank 30th in the league for free throws made per game this season (15.2).
- The Bucks rank 30th for second chance points (390) this season.
- The Hornets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (21.1).
- The Hornets have missed the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons – longest active streak in the NBA.
Charlotte Hornets vs Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report
The Bucks will be without Taurean Prince.
The Hornets will be without Ryan Kalkbrenner, Grant Williams, and Mason Plumlee. Moussa Diabate is questionable.
Charlotte Hornets vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction
I’m not excited to lay points with the Bucks after they just lost to the Wizards as a double-digit favorite. However, that does create a bounce back spot. Antetokounmpo is back and has been playing motivated ball, and I doubt he took that loss to Washington well. The Hornets play with effort, but it hasn’t translated to wins much, and they’re 4-12 SU on the road. The Bucks just beat the Hornets on the road by 10 points a few days ago. The line is reasonable. I’ll lay the points with the Bucks.