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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 |
| Moussa Diabaté | Questionable | Right wrist sprain |
| Miles Bridges | Probable | Right ankle sprain |
These absences reduce Charlotte’s size and flexibility in the paint.
Why Giannis matters in this matchup
Milwaukee’s offense and defense still run through Giannis. Even while managing the calf issue, he has continued to produce at a high level and control games with his physical presence.Also read: Charlotte Hornets vs Milwaukee Bucks regular season game: Full injury report, who's out, where to watch, and more (January 2, 2026)Against a Hornets team missing several frontcourt players, his availability could decide the game early. If he plays without limitation, Milwaukee is positioned to control the paint, set the pace, and avoid unnecessary pressure late.
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