The Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Hornets will face off once again in the 2025-26 NBA season, this time as part of the NBA Cup in-season tournament. The Hornets recently defeated the Bucks 111–100 on Wednesday and currently hold a 4-7 record, placing them 12th in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Bucks sit at 7th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 7-5 after snapping a three-game losing streak. The Hornets achieved this victory without their offensive star, LaMelo Ball, in the lineup. Will he make a difference tonight?

Is LaMelo Ball Playing Tonight?

Well, LaMelo Ball is listed as probable for tonight’s matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup in-season tournament. He will most likely play tonight. Since he has missed much of the 11 games the Hornets have played this season.

Ball had been sidelined for the past five games due to a right ankle impingement. Ball’s issue first started around November 1, 2025. The Charlotte Hornets had listed him as questionable for a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to the same ankle impingement. Even before that, the Hornets disclosed in March 2025 that he would undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle and a minor procedure on his wrist after persistent problems in that ankle. The injury forced him to miss those contests, though he has progressed through recovery.

In the 2025‑26 campaign thus far, Ball has appeared in 6 games. He is averaging approximately 23.3 points, 9.8 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game. During their star playmaker’s absence, the Hornet roster took charge.

Thanks to standout performances from Miles Bridges (20 points) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (17 points), along with contributions from Collin Sexton and Kon Knueppel, who added 16 points each.

Hornets vs Bucks Injury Report

Hornets Injury Report

The Charlotte Hornets enter tonight’s NBA Cup matchup with notable absences.

1. KJ Simpson is listed as probable after his shoulder issue.
2. Liam McNeeley remains questionable for the game due to illness.
3. Ryan Kalkbrenner will miss the matchup due to personal reasons.

The Milwaukee Bucks also have some injury concerns.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as probable for tonight’s game after dealing with his left knee patellar tendinopathy.
2. Taurean Prince is out indefinitely following surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck.
3. Kevin Porter Jr. remains sidelined after undergoing right knee meniscus surgery.

Predicted Starting Lineups: Hornets vs Bucks

Here are the projected starting lineups for tonight’s NBA Cup matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and the Milwaukee Bucks.

This list is based on the injury lists and roster names. It is subject to change. If Ball surely returns, there will likely be a shift. Either Collin Sexton or Sion James will go back to the second unit.

How to watch Hornets vs Bucks

Here’s how fans can tune in to tonight’s NBA Cup matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Date: Friday, November 15, 2025

Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

How to Watch: Regional broadcasts via Bally Sports Wisconsin for Bucks fans and Bally Sports Southeast for Hornets viewers. National streaming is available through NBA League Pass and platforms like FuboTV, Hulu Live, and YouTube TV.

Match preview & predictions

Both LaMelo Ball and Giannis Antetokounmpo missed Wednesday’s matchup, leaving each team to adjust its rotations and offensive strategies. LaMelo Ball’s probable return may add a dynamic playmaking dimension. But here is the thing, the Hornets have a record of 1-4 when they play at a host team’s.

The host team, the Milwaukee Bucks, meanwhile, are slightly favored. This is their home ground. Analytically, the Bucks are stronger in efficiency. Still, the Hornets’ confidence from the previous upset may sting the Bucks. Nonetheless, expect a competitive game, with Milwaukee holding a slight edge in the prediction.

Top Stories

Mavericks to Cut Ties With Anthony Davis & Klay Thompson as Mark Cuban Plans ‘Radical’ Change – Reports

Did Stephen Curry Sign With Nike? Fact Checking Viral Claim After Under Armour Split

Not Caitlin Clark, But A’ja Wilson Declares This WNBA Star Her Toughest Matchup

NBC Sports Broadcaster Says the Quiet Part Out Loud About WNBA’s Caitlin Clark Treatment

Boyfriend Connor McCaffery Reacts to Caitlin Clark’s $22,000 Move Outside the WNBA