Milwaukee Bucks vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 29 | 2025-26 NBA Season

With 2025 nearing its close, NBA fans will be treated to an 11-game slate on Monday, including a matchup between Eastern Conference teams Milwaukee Bucks (13-19) and Charlotte Hornets (11-20).

This will mark the third meeting between the two sides this season. Charlotte claimed the opener with a 111-100 win, while Milwaukee responded by taking the second matchup 147-134 in overtime.

Here’s a preview of this Milwaukee Bucks vs Charlotte Hornets game, scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs Charlotte Hornets Preview and Odds

Moneyline: Bucks (-161) vs Hornets (+135)

Spread: Bucks -3.5 (-110) vs Hornets +3.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): Bucks o227.5 (-110) vs Hornets u227.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs Charlotte Hornets preview

Giannis Antetokounmpo has returned for the Milwaukee Bucks and looks energized as he tries to spark a winning run following his extended absence due to a calf strain.

His return made an immediate impact, as Milwaukee defeated the Chicago Bulls 112-103, with Antetokounmpo posting 29 points and eight rebounds and punctuating the game with a late-game windmill dunk.

While the Bucks welcomed back their superstar, the Hornets were dealt a major setback when breakout performer Kon Knueppel sprained his right ankle during Friday’s 120-105 win over the Orlando Magic.

Knueppel will miss Monday’s game after appearing in all 31 contests for Charlotte this season, where he averaged 19.3 points on 47.8% shooting, including 42.8% from 3, along with 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists.

Knueppel adds to an already lengthy injury report for Charlotte, which includes Ryan Kalkbrenner, Mason Plumlee and Grant Williams. For Milwaukee, Taurean Prince is out, while Gary Trent Jr. is listed as questionable.

This matchup presents an intriguing contrast between two teams looking to finish December on a positive note, as both have struggled to stay above .500 this month, though Milwaukee enters with a clear advantage in health.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs Charlotte Hornets betting tips

• Giannis Antetokounmpo O/U 26.5 points – Take the over.
• Collin Sexton O/U 12.5 points – Take the over.
• Ryan Rollins O/U 14.5 points – Take the over.
• LaMelo Ball O/U 21.5 points – Take the under.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs Charlotte Hornets prediction

This matchup would be far more compelling if both teams were at full strength, but with the Hornets missing their third-leading scorer for the first time this season, it’s difficult to envision them keeping pace with a healthier Bucks squad led by Antetokounmpo.

Our prediction: Bucks win by 13.

Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro