Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing vs Hornets tonight? Latest Jan 2 update
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is probable for tonight's game against the Charlotte Hornets. His presence is crucial as the Hornets face significant frontcourt injuries. If Giannis plays, the Bucks are heavily favored to control the game. The team is managing his calf injury carefully. Other key Bucks players are available.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image via: Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks face the Charlotte Hornets on January 2 with most of the attention on whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will be on the floor. He is listed as probable on the NBA’s official injury report because of right calf injury management, a familiar listing that has followed him in recent weeks.The game tips off at 8:00 PM ET. Milwaukee enters in a strong position, while Charlotte continues to deal with roster limitations. If Giannis plays, the matchup shifts heavily toward the Bucks, especially given the Hornets’ issues in the frontcourt.
Giannis Antetokounmpo injury status vs Charlotte Hornets (January 2, 2026)
The latest injury report, released at 1:30 PM ET on January 2, lists Giannis Antetokounmpo as probable. The calf issue dates back to December, when he was managing a strain.
Since then, updates have been steady, and there have been no signs of restrictions on his minutes.Some previews have not listed him as injured at all, pointing to growing confidence in his availability. As usual, final confirmation will come after warm-ups, but there is no indication that Milwaukee expects him to sit. The team has continued to manage his workload carefully to avoid setbacks.
Milwaukee Bucks injury report vs Charlotte Hornets (January 2, 2026)
Outside of Giannis, Milwaukee’s report is light. None of the team’s main rotation players are dealing with injuries.
Player
Status
Reason
Taurean Prince
Out
Neck surgery
Alex Antetokounmpo
Out
G League two-way
Pete Nance
Out
G League two-way
Mark Sears
Out
G League two-way
Damian Lillard and the rest of the core are available, giving the Bucks close to a full lineup if Giannis plays.
Charlotte Hornets injury report vs Bucks (January 2, 2026)
Charlotte enters the game short-handed, particularly among big men, which limits their options on both ends of the floor.
Player
Status
Reason
Mason Plumlee
Out
Right groin surgery
Ryan Kalkbrenner
Out
Left elbow sprain
Grant Williams
Out
Right knee surgery