The Kings travel to Milwaukee today to take on the Bucks. This is a battle between two teams trying to prove they are post-season threats. With the Kings on a massive winning streak, the Bucks might be catching them at the worst time possible.
The Kings have been on the rise after they fired Mike Brown. They are currently on a 7 game-win streak, pulling themselves out of the bottom of the West. They just crest over the 500 with a 20-19 record.
Something in this offense has just clicked. They’re getting more out of almost everyone. Domantas Sabonis has been one of the biggest keys to this success. He’s extended his range to the three-point line meaningfully this season. Shooting 46% from three on two attempts a game. He’s not Steph Curry by any means, but this has opened up the interior for guys like Fox, Monk, and DeRozan.
The Kings are on the right track now. They are pushing forward with tons of momentum coming into Milwaukee, and they match up well against the Bucks.
Defensively, the Bucks have limited options to slow down Fox, Huerter, and DeRozan tonight. With Khris Middleton out, we’d like to see Fox exploit Lillard’s weak defense. If you’re looking for a points-over line, Fox might be the man tonight.
Other than that, the Bucks will have to rely on Giannis to carry them this game. The Kings have no one to stop Giannis from beating them inside, the Kings may have to live with shutting down the rest of the team. If they can prevent Dame or the role players from getting started outside, they'll have a chance to win this game, even if Giannis is going off.
Overall, the Kings have a great chance to take this game on the road. They’ve been a much more cohesive unit lately, and their scoring ability is overwhelming. Even without Monk tonight, Sacramento should steal this one.
The Bucks are coming off a significant loss in MSG against the Knicks. Getting beat by over 30 points, Milwaukee feels like a flawed team. They have top-end talent, but beyond Lillard and Giannis, this team is thin.
Khris Middleton, in particular, has been a sore point for this team. He’s declined significantly, already missing 20 games in a young seasons. Even when he does play, his productivity isn't what it used to be. He's a touch slower, and the shots haven't been going in for him.
Beyond Middleton, they’ve been relying heavily on some unreliable role players. Taurean Prince has been solid, with one of the best shooting percentages in the league. However, that’s tailed off over the last 10 games to 32%. Prince is not the only one struggling to maintain productivity. Bobby Portis hasn’t been the scorer they’ve needed him to be. As Milwaukee’s best 6th man, shooting 5% below his career average from three and the floor has put them at a disadvantage.
None of this helps the matchup tonight against the Kings who have been red-hot lately. Taking on one of the most effective offenses in the league over the last 10 games. The Bucks will need Dame and Giannis to be at their best if they have a chance tonight.
It’s possible, but I’m skeptical the Bucks can keep up offensively tonight.
The best path to victory will be attacking the paint. If they can get to Sabonis and force him into foul trouble early, they could break the paint wide open. The Kings' biggest issue is their lack of center depth. Sabonis fills most of the minutes, with Try Lyles and Alex Len as their only backups. If they can force Sabonis to the bench early, it could break this game wide open.
However, the momentum will continue to be on the King's side. This game will be close, but the Kings have the offensive firepower to win! I think the Kings continue their winning streak tonight.
Kings Injuries:
Malik Monk Questionable
Bucks Injuries:
Gary Trent Jr. Questionable
Ryan Rollins Questionable
Khris Middleton Out
Giannis Antetokounmpo Probable
Spread: +2 SAC (-105) / -2 MIL (-115)
Total Points: 228.5
Moneyline: SAC (+114) / MIL (-135)
Giannis Antetokounmpo 35+ Points (+135)
De’Aaron Fox Over 26.5 Points (-105)
Domantas Sabonis Under 15.5 Rebounds (-135)
Drook Lopez Over 1.5 Blocks (+120)