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Hornets vs. Bucks prediction: Milwaukee to win, Giannis Antetokounmpo projected for big game in Friday's NBA matchup [1/2/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Charlotte Hornets vs Milwaukee Bucks predictions for NBA Friday.
The Milwaukee Bucks will square off with the Charlotte Hornets in NBA action at Fiserv Forum on Friday, starting at 8:00 PM ET.
Based on updated simulation results and today’s injury news, Dimers' proven NBA model projects the Bucks as the most likely winner of the Hornets vs. Bucks game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Bucks lineup will feature players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Porter and Ryan Rollins, while the Hornets will look to Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges.
This article offers a closer look at Friday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Hornets vs. Bucks prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using powerful machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Friday's NBA game between the Hornets and Bucks 10,000 times as part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our leading predictive model currently gives the Bucks a 71% chance of defeating the Hornets. Our predicted final score has the Bucks winning 119-112.
According to our model, the Bucks (-5.5) have a 52% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 231.5 points has an equal 50-50 chance of hitting.
Hornets vs. Bucks odds
We have researched the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Hornets | Bucks |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +5.5 (+100) | -5.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | +200 | -215 |
| Total | o231.5 (-115) | u231.5 (-105) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Hornets vs. Bucks picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Bucks -5.5 | -110 |
| Moneyline | Bucks | -215 |
| Total | Under 231.5 | -105 |
According to our NBA best bets, the top play to make on this game is Bucks to win.
Hornets vs. Bucks player props
NBA player props are a popular way to wager on the Charlotte vs. Milwaukee game without necessarily betting on the outcome. We have crunched the numbers to project how each team's leading players will perform at Fiserv Forum.
Brandon Miller is expected to lead the Hornets with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while Giannis Antetokounmpo is projected to have 28 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for the Bucks.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Hornets prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Hornets are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Miller | 22 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 41 |
| LaMelo Ball | 21 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 46 |
| Miles Bridges | 19 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 38 |
| Kon Knueppel | 19 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 36 |
| Collin Sexton | 12 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 22 |
Bucks prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Bucks:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G. Antetokounmpo | 28 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 55 |
| Kevin Porter | 20 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 47 |
| Ryan Rollins | 18 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 38 |
| Myles Turner | 13 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 28 |
| Bobby Portis | 13 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 25 |
Hornets vs. Bucks game-day updates and essential details
Friday's matchup between the Bucks and Hornets at Fiserv Forum is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM ET.
- Who: Charlotte Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks
- Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET/5:00PM PT
- Venue: Fiserv Forum
Conclusion
We predict the Bucks, with a 71% win probability, will likely beat the Hornets on Friday, with Giannis Antetokounmpo projected for a game-high 55 fantasy points.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Hornets vs. Bucks insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are drawn from up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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