Bucks Defeat Hornets 123-113 in Competitive Matchup
Monday, December 29, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Spectrum Center
Milwaukee Bucks 123, Charlotte Hornets 113, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Milwaukee Bucks vs Charlotte Hornets?
Milwaukee Bucks beat Charlotte Hornets 123-113 at Spectrum Center on December 29, 2025.
Who was favored in Milwaukee Bucks vs Charlotte Hornets?
Milwaukee Bucks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -148 (about 60% implied). The favorite won.
The Milwaukee Bucks secured a 123-113 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 30, 2025, extending their lead in the season series to 3-1. This matchup was notable not only for the competitive nature of the game but also for the implications it holds in the standings as both teams vie for better positions in the NBA. The Bucks, with an away record of 14-19, faced a Hornets team struggling at home with a record of 11-21.
In terms of recent form, the Hornets entered the game with a record of 5-5 over their last ten games, riding a two-game winning streak. They averaged 116.3 points scored while allowing 115.1 points per game during this stretch. Their most recent victories included a 120-105 win against the Orlando Magic and a 126-109 win over the Washington Wizards. On the other hand, the Bucks had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games, with a single-game winning streak leading into this matchup. They averaged 105.6 points scored and allowed 111.3 points during this period, with their last game resulting in a 112-103 win against the Chicago Bulls.
The Hornets' home performance has been mixed, with a home record of 2-2 in their last four games. The Bucks, conversely, have struggled on the road with a 2-4 record in their last six away games. In their previous meetings this season, the teams had split their encounters, with the Bucks winning 147-134 in their last matchup on November 15, 2025, and the Hornets winning 111-100 on November 13, 2025.
Injury concerns impacted both teams leading up to the game. For the Hornets, Brandon Miller and PJ Hall were listed as day-to-day, with Miller dealing with a shoulder issue and Hall nursing an ankle injury. The Bucks also had a key player, Kevin Porter Jr., listed as day-to-day due to a knee problem. The status of these players added an element of uncertainty to the game.
Betting lines from DraftKings indicated that the Bucks were favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 227.5. The odds for the over and under were both at -110. The moneyline reflected the Bucks at -148 and the Hornets at +124, showcasing the expectation of a close contest.
The game conditions featured a competitive atmosphere as both teams aimed to capitalize on their recent performances. The Bucks were looking to build momentum after their recent win, while the Hornets sought to continue their positive trend at home. Viewers were treated to a display of offensive prowess, particularly from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who made significant contributions in the fourth quarter, including a driving layup and a two-foot dunk that helped solidify the Bucks' lead.
As the game progressed, the scoring plays highlighted the intensity of the matchup. Key moments included Antetokounmpo's late-game efforts, which kept the Hornets at bay, while Myles Turner and Brandon Miller also contributed to the scoring for Charlotte. Ultimately, the Bucks' ability to maintain composure in crucial moments proved decisive, allowing them to emerge victorious with a final score of 123-113.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIL -2.5 | 227.5 o -110 / u -110 | Milwaukee Bucks -148 · Charlotte Hornets +124 |
Injury report
- Brandon MillerDay-To-DayShoulderCharlotte Hornets
- PJ HallDay-To-DayAnkleCharlotte Hornets
- Kevin Porter Jr.Day-To-DayKneeMilwaukee Bucks
Leaders
- PointsBrandon Miller31Charlotte Hornets
- AssistsCollin Sexton8Charlotte Hornets
- ReboundsTidjane Salaun11Charlotte Hornets
- PointsBobby Portis25Milwaukee Bucks
- AssistsKevin Porter Jr.11Milwaukee Bucks
- ReboundsMyles Turner6Milwaukee Bucks
Recent form
Charlotte Hornets
Last 10: 5-5Streak W2116.3 scored · 115.1 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W120-105at Orlando MagicDec 27
- W126-109vs Washington WizardsDec 24
- L132-139at Cleveland CavaliersDec 23
- L86-112at Detroit PistonsDec 21
- W133-126vs Atlanta HawksDec 19
- W119-111at Cleveland CavaliersDec 14
- L126-129vs Chicago BullsDec 13
- L106-115vs Denver NuggetsDec 7
- W111-86at Toronto RaptorsDec 6
- L104-119at New York KnicksDec 4
Milwaukee Bucks
Last 10: 4-6Streak W1105.6 scored · 111.3 allowed per game2-4 away
- W112-103at Chicago BullsDec 28
- L104-125at Memphis GrizzliesDec 27
- W111-94at Indiana PacersDec 24
- L100-103at Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 22
- L105-111vs Toronto RaptorsDec 19
- L82-127at Brooklyn NetsDec 14
- W116-101vs Boston CelticsDec 12
- L112-124at Detroit PistonsDec 7
- L101-116vs Philadelphia 76ersDec 6
- W113-109vs Detroit PistonsDec 4
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
| Atlanta | - | 36 | L1 | .561 | 46 |
| Orlando | 1 | 37 | L1 | .549 | 45 |
| Charlotte | 2 | 38 | W1 | .537 | 44 |
| Miami | 3 | 39 | W2 | .524 | 43 |
| Washington | 29 | 65 | L10 | .207 | 17 |
Box score
| Stat | Milwaukee Bucks | Charlotte Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 44-84 | 40-93 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 16-34 | 17-46 |
| Three-point % | 47 | 37 |
| Free throws | 19-22 | 16-20 |
| Free throw % | 86 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 47 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 30 |
| Assists | 29 | 28 |
| Steals | 9 | 5 |
| Blocks | 5 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 18 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 48 | 44 |
| Fouls | 17 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 17 | 17 |
| Time in front | 60 | 33 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter81-79Myles Turner makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kevin Porter Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter82-79Myles Turner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter83-79Myles Turner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter86-79Gary Trent Jr. makes 22-foot running jump shot (Kyle Kuzma assists)
- 3rd Quarter86-82Liam McNeeley makes 26-foot three point jumper (Collin Sexton assists)
- 3rd Quarter87-82Ryan Rollins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter87-84Collin Sexton makes 7-foot floating jump shot (Josh Green assists)
- 3rd Quarter89-84Bobby Portis makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Kevin Porter Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter89-86Liam McNeeley makes driving layup (Collin Sexton assists)
- 3rd Quarter91-86Kevin Porter Jr. makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter91-88Liam McNeeley makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter93-88Kyle Kuzma makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter94-88Bobby Portis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter95-88Bobby Portis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter95-89Collin Sexton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-92LaMelo Ball makes 27-foot three pointer (Liam McNeeley assists)
- 4th Quarter95-95LaMelo Ball makes 34-foot three point jumper (Liam McNeeley assists)
- 4th Quarter98-95Bobby Portis makes 23-foot three point jumper (Gary Trent Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter101-95Bobby Portis makes 25-foot running jump shot (Kevin Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter101-97Moussa Diabate makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter104-97Bobby Portis makes 27-foot three point jumper (Giannis Antetokounmpo assists)
- 4th Quarter106-97Giannis Antetokounmpo makes 2-foot reverse layup (Kyle Kuzma assists)
- 4th Quarter108-97Giannis Antetokounmpo makes 2-foot dunk
- 4th Quarter110-97Bobby Portis makes 13-foot floating jump shot (Kevin Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter110-99Moussa Diabate makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter110-101Brandon Miller makes 1-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter110-102Brandon Miller makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter112-102Kevin Porter Jr. makes 4-foot two point shot (Giannis Antetokounmpo assists)
- 4th Quarter112-105Josh Green makes 22-foot three point jumper (Moussa Diabate assists)
- 4th Quarter114-105Giannis Antetokounmpo makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter114-107LaMelo Ball makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot (Brandon Miller assists)
- 4th Quarter114-109LaMelo Ball makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter116-109Myles Turner makes layup (Ryan Rollins assists)
- 4th Quarter118-109Giannis Antetokounmpo makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter120-109Giannis Antetokounmpo makes 2-foot driving dunk
- 4th Quarter121-109Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter121-110Brandon Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter121-111Brandon Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter123-111Myles Turner makes driving layup (Giannis Antetokounmpo assists)
- 4th Quarter123-113Moussa Diabate makes alley oop layup (LaMelo Ball assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Charlotte Hornets, below favours Milwaukee Bucks.
Venue
- Spectrum CenterCharlotte, NC
- Attendance19562
- OfficialsCourtney Kirkland, Sean Corbin, Leon Wood
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These two, other days
- Hornets Defeat Bucks 105-90 in Home OpenerOct 11, 2026
- Bucks Edge Hornets in Thrilling FinishJan 2, 2026
- Bucks Edge Hornets in Overtime ThrillerNov 14, 2025
- Hornets Secure Victory Over Bucks at HomeNov 12, 2025