The Milwaukee Bucks could be without their top star as they face the injury-riddled Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday
The Milwaukee Bucks didn't enter the 2025-26 season with high expectations by any means. When rumors started circulating during the offseason that Giannis Antetokounmpo could potentially be traded, it seemed as though the Bucks were going to go on a downward spiral. However, he stayed put, and this Bucks team has been one of the biggest surprises of the season.
Sitting at 7-4 on the season, the Bucks are coming off a road win against the Dallas Mavericks after dropping a home game against the Houston Rockets. As they prepare to face a young Charlotte Hornets team on Wednesday night, there's a chance they could be doing so without their star player.
Bucks Injury Report
According to Milwaukee's injury report from the NBA, Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as QUESTIONABLE as he deals with left knee patellar tendinopathy. Giannis has missed just one game this season, that being the team's 120-110 upset win over the Golden State Warriors. However, Giannis has appeared on the injury report several times this season, but has managed to play.
With averages of 33.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per season, Giannis' availability is essential for the Bucks to be competitive in games. Even though Ryan Rollins has looked good this year and so has Kyle Kuzma as of late, the Bucks know their only chance at competing starts with Giannis.
As for the rest of the injury report, Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) and Taurean Prince (neck) are both OUT. Porter Jr. has appeared in just one game this season, while Prince has played in eight games for Milwaukee, but has missed the past three contests due to a neck injury.
Hornets Shorthanded
If Giannis truly isn't 100%, the Bucks might take advantage of an injury-riddled Hornets team and let their star player get some rest.
The two most notable names sidelined for the Hornets on Wednesday include LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Brandon Miller (shoulder), who are both OUT against the Bucks. Ball has appeared in just six games for the Hornets this season, leading them in scoring with 23.3 per game.
As for Miller, he's played in just one full game this year, as the former second-overall pick continues to battle with injuries. Other names OUT include Josh Green (shoulder), Tidjane Salaun (G League), and Grant Williams (knee).
While it's been tough battling injuries, the Hornets have seen promising play from Miles Bridges and rookie Kon Knueppel. Tip-off in Charlotte is set for 7:00 p.m. EST.