Giannis, Damian Lillard led the Bucks to a 96-85 lead in the third quarter over the Hornets

On November 24, 2024By Littum

The Milwaukee Bucks (7-9) are officially on their first winning streak of the season after picking up their third straight win Friday night by beating Indiana. They look to push it to four in a row tonight vs. Charlotte (6-9), which outscored the Bucks by one point on Nov. 16 after a controversial foul call on Giannis Antetokounmpo in the final seconds.

Antetokounmpo got the ball rolling in the third quarter as he had five of the team’s seven assists on 13 made baskets to help the team to 37 points and a 96-85 lead heading into the fourth. Antetokounmpo and Lillard each had 25 points after three quarters, with Gary Trent Jr. added 11 off the bench.

Damian Lillard scored 11 points in the second quarter to help the Bucks to a 59-51 halftime lead. Antetokounmpo was the only other Milwaukee player in double figures with 15 points. Brandon Miller (11) and LaMelo Ball (10) led the Hornets.

The Bucks jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the opening moments of the game, but the Hornets held on to tie the game at 28 at the end of the first quarter. Antetokounmpo scored 11 points in 10 minutes and Lillard added seven. Seven different Hornets scored.

Is Giannis playing?

Antetokounmpo is likely to play as he continues to deal with pain in his right knee. He’s been dealing with it all season and has yet to miss a game because of it.

What happened last time vs. Hornets?

A week ago, the Bucks appeared to be in position to win the game in Charlotte, but Giannis Antetokounmpo was called for a foul while defending Hornets guard LaMelo Ball when Ball slipped to the court. Ball hit two free throws with 7.3 seconds left and Antetokounmpo missed a potential game-winning jumper shortly after. After the game, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers blasted the officiating, and soon after the crew acknowledged they made the wrong call. That said, Rivers was still fined $25,000 for his public criticism.

What TV channel are the Bucks on tonight?

The game tips off at 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on the FanDuel Sports Network with Lisa Byington, Steve Novak and Melanie Ricks on the call.

Buck’s injury report

Khris Middleton, out (surgery on both ankles)
AJ Johnson, out (left Achilles tendinitis)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, available (right patella tendinopathy)
Ryan Rollins, available (dislocated left shoulder)
Liam Robbins, available (left heel contusion)
MarJon Beauchamp, available (left hamstring tendinopathy)

Bucks starting lineup

Watchman: Damian Lillard, Andre Jackson Jr.
Extenders: Bull prince, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Center: Brook Lopez

Bucks vs. Hornets odds, over/under

The Bucks are 7.5 point favorites over the Hornets, and the over/under is 223.5 points per. BetMGM.