The Milwaukee Bucks are staring down a critical stretch of their season, and Monday afternoon’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks feels like more than just another game on the schedule - it’s a chance to stop the bleeding and start climbing back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
At 17-24, the Bucks have dropped three straight and find themselves two games behind the Hawks for the 10th and final play-in spot. While there are still 41 games left in the regular season, the urgency is real.
Momentum is a tricky thing in the NBA - once it slips, it can be hard to get back. And for a team with playoff expectations, this is the kind of moment that demands a response.
The good news for Milwaukee? They’re heading into this game with a relatively clean bill of health.
Bucks Injury Report: Stabilizing at the Right Time
Only two players are listed as out for Milwaukee: Alex Antetokounmpo, who’s on a two-way deal and currently with the G-League affiliate, and veteran forward Taurean Prince, who remains sidelined after neck surgery. Beyond that, the Bucks are close to full strength.
That includes Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner - both of whom were dealing with illnesses last week but appear to be back to full speed. Most importantly, Giannis Antetokounmpo is no longer on the injury report after battling a sprained ankle over the past two games. Having their MVP-caliber leader healthy and ready to go is vital for a team trying to regain its footing.
Atlanta’s Injury Woes and a New Era Without Trae Young
On the other side, the Hawks are dealing with a more crowded injury list. N’Faly Dante is out with a torn ACL, while RayJ Dennis is inactive due to a coach’s decision. Nikola Djurisic is currently with the G-League squad, and both Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles tendonitis) and Zacharie Risacher (left knee bone contusion) are unavailable.
This will be Milwaukee’s first look at the Hawks since Atlanta traded away Trae Young - the face of their franchise for years - to the Washington Wizards. The Hawks are entering a new chapter, and like the Bucks, they’re trying to find their identity on the fly. They’ve also dropped three straight and are clinging to that 10th seed, knowing full well that the pack behind them is gaining ground.
A Midseason Matchup That Matters
It might be January, but this one carries the weight of a late-season battle. For Milwaukee, it’s less about where they are in the standings right now and more about where they’re headed. A win over the Hawks doesn’t just close the gap - it could be the spark that ignites a second-half surge.
With the roster healthy, Giannis back in the mix, and a direct competitor in front of them, the table is set. Now it’s up to the Bucks to take advantage.