Bucks and Spurs Clash in High-Stakes NBA Showdown

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Milwaukee Bucks (26-19) and San Antonio Spurs (20-24) will face off for the second time this month on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with both teams looking to build momentum as the NBA season progresses.

The Bucks, led by perennial MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo and a resurgent Damian Lillard, have shown flashes of dominance this season. Despite a rocky start, Milwaukee has climbed to the 11th-ranked offense and the 9th-ranked defense per 100 possessions. However, their path to the playoffs remains challenging, with the Cleveland Cavaliers and other Eastern Conference contenders performing strongly.

For the Spurs, January has been a brutal month, with only three wins to show for their efforts. The team has struggled with consistency, often collapsing in the second half of games. Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama has shown promise, but the Spurs need him to step up as the team’s cornerstone if they hope to turn their season around.

Injury reports add another layer of intrigue to the matchup. The Bucks list Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and Khris Middleton (ankle) as probable, while Bobby Portis is out for personal reasons. The Spurs’ Sidy Cissoko is questionable with a concussion.

The two teams last met on Jan. 8, when the Bucks secured a 121-105 victory at home. Lillard led the way with 26 points, while Keldon Johnson came off the bench to score 24 for the Spurs. This time, the Spurs are looking to avenge that loss and snap a four-game losing streak against Milwaukee.

Betting odds favor the Bucks, but the Spurs have shown resilience at home, boasting a 12-11 record at Frost Bank Center. The Over/Under is set at 234.5 points, with both teams trending toward high-scoring games. The Over has hit in seven straight Spurs games and eight of the Bucks’ last 10.

As the season progresses, both teams have much at stake. For the Bucks, the ultimate goal remains the Larry O'Brien Trophy, while the Spurs are focused on developing their young core and building a foundation for future success.