The energy in Milwaukee is... well, it’s a bit tense. If you’re checking your phone and wondering when do the Bucks play next, the short answer is Monday afternoon. But the long answer? That’s way more complicated than just a date on a calendar.
Milwaukee is currently slogging through a rough patch that has even the most die-hard fans at Fiserv Forum biting their nails. Coming off a grueling stretch, the Bucks are looking at a cross-conference schedule that's going to test exactly what this roster is made of. Honestly, after that 139-106 blowout loss to the Timberwolves and a nail-biter against Wembanyama and the Spurs, every single game feels like a "must-win" for Giannis and the crew.
The Next Game: Bucks at Hawks
Mark your calendars for Monday, January 19, 2026. The Bucks are heading to Atlanta to take on the Hawks at State Farm Arena. This isn't your typical prime-time matchup; it’s an early one. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET.
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If you're stuck at work, you might want to "accidentally" leave the live stream open on a second monitor. The game will be broadcast locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (formerly Bally Sports), and for the out-of-towners, it’ll be on NBA League Pass.
Why the Hawks Game Matters
Atlanta is currently sitting at 9th in the East, just a few spots ahead of Milwaukee. This is a direct battle for playoff—or at least Play-In—positioning. The Bucks have been hovering around the 11th seed with a 17-24 record, and frankly, they need to start stringing wins together before the All-Star break or things are going to get ugly. Trae Young always seems to find another gear when the Bucks are in town, so the perimeter defense needs to be on point.
Looking Ahead: The Late January Home Stand
After the trip to Atlanta, the Bucks finally get to sleep in their own beds for a while. If you missed the chance to see them on the road, the upcoming home stretch at Fiserv Forum is actually pretty loaded with talent.
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- Wednesday, January 21: vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (8:30 PM ET)
- Friday, January 23: vs. Denver Nuggets (8:30 PM ET)
- Sunday, January 25: vs. Dallas Mavericks (6:00 PM ET)
That is a brutal lineup. You’ve got Chet Holmgren, then Nikola Jokić, then Luka Dončić. It’s basically a parade of MVP candidates coming through Wisconsin. For the Bucks to survive this, they need more than just Giannis dropping 30. They need Myles Turner to hold down the paint and Ryan Rollins to keep up the surprisingly decent production he’s been showing lately.
The Injury Bug is More Than a Nuisance
The big question on everyone’s mind isn’t just when do the Bucks play next, but who is actually going to be wearing the jersey? The injury report has been a rotating door of bad news lately.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been dealing with some nagging left ankle soreness. He played through it against the Spurs on January 15, but you could tell he wasn't 100%—especially after that knee-to-knee collision with Victor Wembanyama in the first quarter. He’s "probable" most nights, but "probable" in January 2026 doesn't mean "healthy."
Then there’s the supporting cast. Taurean Prince is still sidelined following neck surgery, which has left a massive hole in the wing rotation. Kyle Kuzma has been battling an illness that’s kept him questionable for the last few outings. Without these guys, the bench is paper-thin. We’re seeing a lot more of AJ Green and Kevin Porter Jr. than most fans expected at the start of the season.
The Defensive Crisis
Milwaukee’s defensive rating has plummeted to around 115.0, which is basically the basement of the league. In past years, the Bucks were a "wall." Now? They’re more like a screen door. They’re giving up way too many points in the paint, and if Myles Turner can’t find a way to anchor that interior defense while Giannis is hobbled, the Hawks and Thunder are going to have a field day.
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How to Watch and Follow
If you aren't going to the arena, here's the deal on how to catch the action:
- Cable/Regional: FDSWI (Wisconsin area).
- Streaming: Fubo and YouTube TV usually carry the regional sports networks, but double-check your zip code.
- National: The Denver game on the 23rd is a prime candidate for a national flex, so keep an eye on TNT or ESPN updates.
It’s been a weird season. A 17-24 record isn't where anyone thought Milwaukee would be, especially with the Detroit Pistons (of all teams!) leading the conference. But the NBA is a long haul. One good week in late January can flip the script.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the official NBA injury report which drops about two hours before tip-off. If Giannis is downgraded to "Questionable" or "Out" for the Atlanta game, the betting lines and the game plan will shift instantly. Your best bet for the Atlanta matchup is to check the local Milwaukee sports radio updates on Monday morning to see if the ankle soreness flared up after the flight.
Check the latest ticket prices on sites like SeatGeek or Ticketmaster if you're planning on hitting the Fiserv Forum for the OKC or Denver games, as mid-week prices have been surprisingly affordable given the team's current slump.