Giannis Antetokounmpo Available for Bucks vs Nuggets on Jan 11, 2026

In a significant boost for the Milwaukee Bucks, their superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is officially available and expected to start in the crucial NBA matchup against the Denver Nuggets. The game is scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Ball Arena in Denver.

Bucks Look to Giannis for Consistency

The Bucks enter this contest with a renewed sense of momentum, fresh off a hard-fought 105-101 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Giannis played a pivotal role in closing out that game, demonstrating his clutch capabilities. His availability is confirmed as he is not listed on the team's injury report, signaling no lingering health concerns from the calf strain that sidelined him earlier in the season.

Milwaukee, currently holding an 11th place position in the Eastern Conference with a 17-21 record, is in a critical phase of their campaign. The team has shown marked improvement lately, winning five of their last seven outings. The franchise will lean heavily on Antetokounmpo's dominance to build consistency and climb the standings during this mid-season stretch.

Nuggets Grapple with Key Absences

The situation for the home team, the Denver Nuggets, presents a stark contrast. Despite boasting a strong 25-13 record and sitting third in the competitive Western Conference, they are navigating a challenging period. The Nuggets have stumbled to a 4-6 record in their last 10 games, a slump exacerbated by significant injury woes.

Most notably, the team will be without their reigning MVP and centerpiece, Nikola Jokic, who is listed out due to injury. His absence fundamentally alters Denver's approach on both ends of the court, diminishing their interior defense and offensive orchestration. Other key players like Cam Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas are also out, while Jamal Murray remains questionable.

Giannis's Form and the Matchup Dynamics

Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent performance underscores his importance. Against the Lakers, he was highly efficient, scoring 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting. He filled the stat sheet with six rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and two steals, impacting the game comprehensively without forcing his offense.

For the 2025-26 season, the two-time MVP is averaging an impressive 29.5 points and 10 rebounds per game. The upcoming game against Denver will be his eighth consecutive appearance since returning from injury, with his minutes and on-court movement appearing steady and unrestricted.

The tip-off is set for 8:00 PM ET. With Jokic sidelined, Denver's interior defense is considerably thinner, putting immense pressure on players like Peyton Watson to contain Giannis's drives to the rim. Milwaukee views this as a prime opportunity to secure a valuable road win and maintain their push for a playoff spot. Meanwhile, Denver is focused on weathering this difficult, short-handed stretch. The outcome will likely hinge on the performance led by Giannis Antetokounmpo.