The Milwaukee Bucks sit 16-20, 11th in the Eastern Conference but one loss ahead of the Hawks in 10th (17-21) and four losses behind Orlando in 6th (20-16). Since Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s latest return, they are 4-1. Things could still go sideways, but all is not lost. The front office has established its intention to add talent in the trade market – not sell. Given the Bucks’ schedule leading up to the deadline, they have a golden opportunity to get back to .500, ride some momentum, and commit to at least one more season going all-in for the playoffs.
Take care of business, a surprise win here or there, and the Bucks could be rolling at just the right time
The Bucks will certainly take it, but they have not exactly been taking down world-beaters. Their four most recent wins have come against Chicago (17-19), Charlotte twice (13-23), and Sacramento (8-28). Sandwiched in between is a one-point loss to the Wizards (9-25).
Nov 1, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts with guard Ryan Rollins (13) after scoring a basket in the 3rd quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Let’s be real, though. How different is Milwaukee from those mediocre to bad teams? Getting Giannis back changes everything, but the Bucks remain heavily flawed even with him. As they attempt to anchor a winning identity, they have to take what victories they can get. From that perspective, 4-1 is nothing to sniff at.
And, while the schedule gets harder over the next four weeks, the slate looks a lot better for the Bucks than it did not long ago. The Warriors are lost. The Lakers have been exposed on defense. The Nuggets don’t have Nikola Jokic, and likely won’t for a while. The Hawks, for all their promise, remain on the fringes of the play-in. Trae Young drama hangs overhead.
Here’s the full list of opponents between January 7 and February 4, with a leaguewide off day on the Feb. 5 deadline. Projected result included. Warning: projections incline toward optimism.
Jan 7 @ Warriors: W (they’re looking their age)
Jan 9 @ Lakers: L (Luka at home is tough to beat)
Jan 11 @ Nuggets: W (No Joker)
Jan 13 vs Timberwolves: W (last time, without Giannis, Bucks led by 15 in the second half before a crushing collapse)
Jan 15 @ Spurs: L
Jan 19 @ Hawks: W (they’re slipping)
Jan 21 vs Thunder: L
Jan 23 vs Nuggets: W
Jan 25 vs Dallas: W (the Mavs are a disaster)
Jan 27 @76ers: L (they’re good)
Jan 29 @ Wizards: W (please, no more losing to the Wizards)
Feb 1 @ Celtics: L (the surprise of the East)
Feb 3 vs Bulls: W
Feb 4 vs Pelicans: W
Jan 2, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks the ball in the first half against Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (31) at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
It boils down to a 9-5 record in those games and a 25-25 mark at the deadline overall. The next month will be a critical stretch of schedule in determining the course of this team’s season. If they rise to the occasion, they can conscionably sacrifice assets and make a splash at the deadline. If they stumble or collapse, the writing may be on the wall as far as Giannis’ Bucks future. Let’s hope they handle the ailing Warriors on Wednesday for win No. 17 on the year.
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