You’re probably waking up, grabbing a coffee, and wondering if you need to clear your evening for some Giannis highlights. Honestly, it’s a fair question. The NBA schedule is a grind, and keeping track of when the Milwaukee Bucks are actually on the court is basically a full-time job for fans in Wisconsin and beyond.
No. The short answer is that the Milwaukee Bucks do not play today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
They are currently in the middle of a much-needed break before they head to Atlanta to take on the Hawks. If you were looking for a game to watch tonight, you'll have to look elsewhere in the league, perhaps at the Lakers or the Nuggets, who are both active this evening.
When is the next Bucks game?
Since there is no game today, you’ve got a little bit of breathing room. The Bucks are scheduled to play the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow, Monday, January 19, 2026. This isn't just any regular game, though. It’s a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matchup, which usually means a special atmosphere and an early tip-off.
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The game is set for 1:00 PM EST (12:00 PM CST) at State Farm Arena. If you’re used to those late-night Fiserv Forum starts, don't let this one sneak past you. It’s a matinee.
Why the break is a big deal for Milwaukee
The fact that the Milwaukee Bucks don't play today is actually a blessing in disguise. If you’ve been following the 2025-26 season, you know things haven't exactly been a cakewalk for Doc Rivers and his squad.
Milwaukee currently sits at 17-24, which puts them 11th in the Eastern Conference. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team with championship DNA. They are on a three-game losing streak, having recently dropped games to the Timberwolves and the Spurs.
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- Injury Management: Giannis Antetokounmpo has been playing through some ankle soreness lately. Having today off gives him an extra 24 hours of treatment before he has to bang bodies in the paint in Atlanta.
- Defensive Re-tooling: The Bucks are currently ranked near the bottom of the league in points allowed per game. Practice time (or even just rest time) is crucial for a veteran team trying to find its defensive identity again.
- The Taurean Prince Factor: With Prince still sidelined following neck surgery, the rotation has been thin. Every day off is a day closer to getting the bench back to full strength.
Do the Milwaukee Bucks play today on TV?
Even though there's no live game, you might see some replays on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin or hear talk on 620 WTMJ. But for live action, you're waiting until Monday. That Hawks game tomorrow will be streaming on Peacock nationally, which is a bit of a departure from the usual TNT or ESPN slots for these holiday games.
It's kind of a weird season for the Bucks. Usually, we’re talking about them fighting for the number one seed with the Celtics. This year, they are fighting just to stay in the Play-In conversation.
What to watch for tomorrow
When they do return to the court tomorrow, keep an eye on the backcourt. Kevin Porter Jr. has been a massive part of the offense lately, averaging over 7 assists per game. With the team struggling to find consistent scoring outside of the "Greek Freak," the ball movement is going to be the deciding factor against a Hawks team that loves to run.
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Honestly, the Eastern Conference is a mess this year. The Detroit Pistons are somehow leading the pack, and the Bucks are looking up at teams like the Bulls and the Magic. A win tomorrow in Atlanta could be the spark they need to turn this January slump around.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since you don't have a game to watch today, here is how you can prep for tomorrow's early tip-off:
- Check your Peacock subscription: Since tomorrow's game is a Peacock exclusive, make sure your login works before noon.
- Set a reminder for the early start: 12:00 PM CST is early for a weekday. If you're working, you might want to "attend a meeting" during the fourth quarter.
- Watch the injury report: Keep an eye on the official NBA injury portal tonight. If Giannis gets downgraded from "probable" to "questionable," the betting lines are going to shift significantly.