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The Milwaukee Bucks play the Atlanta Hawks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day with little room for error. Recent losses have slowed Milwaukee’s push in the Eastern Conference, making this road game more important than a typical January matchup.

As usual, the focus is on Giannis Antetokounmpo. His availability often decides how the Bucks play on both ends of the floor. Since he is not on the injury report for the January 18 game, we can expect Milwaukee to play a good game vs the Hawks.

Game Context: Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta (January 18, 2026)

The game tips off around 1:00 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena, which is 7:30 p.m. IST for viewers in India. Milwaukee Bucks enter looking to stop a slide, while Atlanta Hawks are trying to respond after a 132-106 loss to the Boston Celtics the night before.



Both teams are fighting for position in the East. With little separation in the standings, games like this carry added weight, especially for two teams still searching for consistency.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's Injury Status vs Atlanta Hawks (January 18, 2026)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is not listed on any injury report that would rule him out for January 18. Since returning from a calf strain, he has played nine straight games. He has appeared on reports with minor ankle soreness, but it has not limited his minutes or performance.

On the season, he is averaging about 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. Over his last eight games, those numbers have slightly increased to roughly 29.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. Recent games against Minnesota on January 13 and San Antonio on January 15 showed no drop in his workload under head coach Doc Rivers.

How Giannis Has Fared Against Atlanta

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been steady against the Hawks throughout his career. In 37 games versus Atlanta, he averages 23.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, with the Bucks holding a 20-17 record in those matchups. His best outing against them came in 2017, when he scored 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

Atlanta’s defense has struggled this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in points allowed. That puts pressure on the Hawks to contain Giannis while also managing Trae Young on offense.

Milwaukee Bucks Injuries and What to Expect (January 18, 2026)

Milwaukee has dealt with rotation issues in recent weeks, including earlier absences involving Pat Connaughton and Bobby Portis. Clear updates beyond Giannis’s status are limited heading into this game.

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When Giannis missed time earlier in the season, the Bucks went 5-3. Since his return, the team’s structure has looked more stable. Unless there is a late change, he is expected to play, giving Milwaukee its best chance to get back on track in Atlanta.