Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington Wizards Prediction | 01.29.26
Milwaukee Bucks
Washington Wizards
Game Spread
Total Points
Tale of the Tape
Detailed Analysis
Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington Wizards Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 29-01-2026
The regular season continues to heat up as the Milwaukee Bucks (18-27) travel to the Capital One Arena in Washington to face the Washington Wizards (11-34) on January 29, 2026, at 7:00 PM EST. This matchup features two teams navigating significant roster challenges, promising an intriguing battle despite their current standings.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington Wizards Matchup Preview
Milwaukee Bucks Key Stats & Trends
The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in a challenging position, largely due to a depleted roster. In the absence of their superstar, the team’s offense has leaned heavily on Ryan Rollins, who leads the squad with 16.3 points and 5.4 assists per game, boasting an impressive overall rating of 16.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG. Veteran big man Bobby Portis remains a consistent force on the boards, averaging 6.6 rebounds. Despite individual efforts, the Bucks have struggled to find consistent team success, reflected in their sub-.500 record. Their recent performances highlight a team trying to find a new identity amidst significant changes.
Injury Report Milwaukee Bucks
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Out): Antetokounmpo (calf) is “ready for a new home at the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline or in the offseason as several rival teams make aggressive offers to the Milwaukee Bucks for him,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reports. This news casts a massive shadow over the franchise and significantly impacts their on-court capabilities.
- Kevin Porter Jr. (Out): Doc Rivers said that Porter (oblique) won’t play “any time soon,” and he’s without an official timetable to return, Justin Garcia of Locked On Bucks reports.
- Taurean Prince (Out): The Bucks applied for a Disabled Player Exception for Prince earlier this month, indicating that they anticipate that he’s “substantially more likely than not” to be unable to play through June 15, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports.
Washington Wizards Key Stats & Trends
The Washington Wizards are also in a rebuilding phase, with a focus on developing their young talent. Rookie big man Alex Sarr has emerged as a bright spot, leading the team in scoring with 17.7 points, rebounding with 7.5 boards, and blocks with 2.2 rejections per game. His comprehensive rating of 17.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.2 BPG showcases his two-way potential. Kyshawn George has taken on playmaking duties, dishing out 5.1 assists per contest. The Wizards’ record of 11-34 reflects their developmental stage, but they’ve shown flashes of potential, particularly when their young core is healthy.
Injury Report Washington Wizards
- Tristan Vukcevic (Out): Vukcevic is out for Thursday’s game against the Bucks with a left hamstring strain.
- Marvin Bagley III (Out): Bagley is out for Thursday’s game against the Bucks due to a thoracic strain.
- Alex Sarr (Day-to-day): Sarr (illness) is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Bucks. His availability is a critical factor for the Wizards.
- Cam Whitmore (Out): Whitmore has begun the recovery process for a diagnosed venous condition and he will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
- Trae Young (Out): Young (knee, quadriceps) will be re-evaluated following the mid-February All-Star break, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington Wizards Prediction & Best Bet
This game pits two injury-riddled teams against each other, making the outcome heavily dependent on who can step up. The Bucks, without Giannis Antetokounmpo, are missing their undisputed leader and primary offensive engine. While Ryan Rollins has shown promise, the team’s overall firepower is significantly diminished. The Wizards, despite missing Trae Young and several other key contributors, have seen Alex Sarr emerge as a dominant force. If Sarr (questionable with illness) is able to play, his presence, particularly on defense with 2.2 BPG, will be crucial. Given the Bucks’ current disarray and the potential for a motivated Wizards team at home, we project a tight contest.
Washington Wizards +2.5 (Spread) is the favored pick. The absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo is simply too significant for the Bucks to overcome, even against a struggling Wizards team. The total points line is set at 224.5. With both teams missing key defensive anchors and primary ball-handlers, the game could devolve into a less structured, higher-scoring affair as secondary players look to make their mark. Therefore, we predict the total will go over 224.5 points.
Last 5 Games: MIL
| Opponent | Result | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @ Philadelphia | L 139-122 | Turner 31 | Portis 12 | Portis 8 |
| vs Denver | L 102-100 | Antetokounmpo 22 | Antetokounmpo 13 | Antetokounmpo 7 |
| vs Oklahoma City | L 122-102 | Antetokounmpo 19 | Antetokounmpo 14 | Portis 9 |
| @ Atlanta | W 112-110 | Antetokounmpo 21 | Antetokounmpo 17 | Porter Jr. 7 |
| @ San Antonio | L 119-101 | Antetokounmpo 21 | Rollins 7 | Rollins 7 |
Last 5 Games: WSH
| Opponent | Result | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs Portland | W 115-111 | Sarr 29 | Sarr 12 | Coulibaly 6 |
| @ Charlotte | L 119-115 | Johnson 26 | Champagnie 11 | Carrington 8 |
| vs Denver | L 107-97 | George 20 | George 12 | George 7 |
| vs LA | L 110-106 | Sarr 28 | Bagley III 8 | Carrington 7 |
| @ Denver | L 121-115 | George 29 | Champagnie 9 | George 7 |
Written by Matt Dorsey
Matt Dorsey turned his obsession with sports into a career five years ago, and he hasn't looked back. By combining a fan's passion with a veteran’s analytical eye, Matt provides reliable insights for the NBA, NHL, and NFL. He knows you’re looking for more than just a pick; you’re looking for a reason to trust the play. That’s why his work is always transparent, researched, and rooted in five years of proven results.