So, you’re looking for who do the Bucks play tonight because, honestly, trying to keep track of this 2025-26 NBA schedule is a full-time job. If you haven't checked the calendar, it is Thursday, January 15, 2026. The Milwaukee Bucks are currently in Texas to face off against the San Antonio Spurs. This isn't just another mid-season slog; it's a game that honestly feels like a crossroads for a Milwaukee team that’s been struggling to find its footing lately.
The tip-off is set for 8:00 PM ET at the Frost Bank Center. If you’re watching from home in Wisconsin, you’ll find the game on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (FDSN WI) or local affiliate WMLW. For the folks in San Antonio or those with League Pass, it’s also airing on FDSN Southwest.
The Giannis vs. Wemby Problem
When people ask who do the Bucks play tonight, what they’re really asking is: "How is Giannis going to handle Victor Wembanyama?" It’s the battle of the unicorns. Giannis Antetokounmpo is still putting up MVP-caliber numbers—averaging about 31.5 points and 12.5 rebounds over his last stretch—but the Bucks as a whole are sitting at a disappointing 17-23. They’re currently 11th in the East. That’s not where anyone expected them to be at this point in the year.
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On the other side, the Spurs are actually good now. They are 27-13 and sitting at 2nd in the Western Conference. Wembanyama is a nightmare on defense, averaging 2.7 blocks and 24 points per game. He has changed the gravity of the court for San Antonio.
- Venue: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
- Time: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT
- Odds: Spurs are 7.5-point favorites.
- Records: Bucks (17-23) vs. Spurs (27-13)
Why the Bucks are Underdogs
It’s weird to see Milwaukee as such heavy underdogs, but the stats don't lie. The Bucks just got absolutely hammered by the Timberwolves, losing 139-106. Their defense has been, frankly, a sieve. While their field goal percentage is high (48.5%), they are 28th in the league in rebounding. You can't win games if you don't finish possessions, and they aren't finishing possessions.
The Spurs have also added De'Aaron Fox to their backcourt, which has given them a level of closing speed they lacked last year. Fox is averaging 20.5 points and nearly 6 assists. Between him and Stephon Castle, the Spurs' guard rotation is younger, faster, and more athletic than what Doc Rivers is putting out there right now.
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Injury Report and Lineup Chaos
Injuries are definitely playing a role here. Taurean Prince is still out after neck surgery and won't be back until late February. That’s a massive hole in the wing rotation. On a brighter note, Myles Turner is expected to play after missing time with an illness, which should help Giannis deal with the length of Wembanyama and Harrison Barnes.
Giannis himself is listed as probable with an ankle issue, but let’s be real: he’s playing. He’s the only thing keeping the Bucks' season from a total tailspin. We’ve also seen more of Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. lately. Rollins has been a surprise, averaging over 22 points in recent starts, providing a spark that the aging core desperately needs.
Tactical Breakdown: Can Milwaukee Pull the Upset?
To win tonight, the Bucks have to stop the bleeding in transition. San Antonio is 6th in the league in turnovers forced, and they turn those into easy dunks for Wemby. If Milwaukee plays a slow, half-court game and lets Giannis work the paint, they have a chance. But if this turns into a track meet, the younger Spurs will run them out of the building.
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The betting lines have the total points around 235. That suggests the oddsmakers expect a lot of scoring. Given the Bucks' recent defensive struggles—allowing Minnesota to shoot nearly 60% from the floor—that seems like a safe bet. Honestly, the Bucks' bench needs to show up. Players like Kyle Kuzma, who had a nightmare two-point game against the Wolves, have to provide some scoring gravity to keep the Spurs' defense from triple-teaming Giannis.
Watching the Game Tonight
If you are trying to stream the game, Fubo is your best bet for local coverage, as it carries the FanDuel Sports Networks. For those outside the local markets, NBA League Pass is the standard. If you're a radio person, tune into 620 WTMJ or the BMO Bucks Radio Network.
Tonight is more than just a game; it's a test of whether this version of the Bucks can still compete with the elite of the NBA. The Spurs are the new elite. The Bucks are trying to prove they aren't the old guard fading away.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your local listings for WMLW or FDSN WI at least 15 minutes before the 7:00 PM CT tip-off to catch the pre-game show, as the injury status of the supporting cast often shifts right before warmups. If you are betting, keep an eye on the Myles Turner status; his presence in the paint is the only way Milwaukee covers that +7.5 spread against a dominant Spurs frontcourt.