The Kings will try to regroup after Friday’s poor performance against the Philadelphia 76ers, but the road back goes through Milwaukee. The Bucks will be without Khris Middleton, which should help, but the Bucks remain a formidable opponent. Kevin Huerter is listed as questionable, and may be a game-time decision as he recovers from an ankle sprain. Can the Kings bounce back with a statement win?
Let’s talk Kings basketball!
When: Sunday, January 14th, 4:00 PM PT
Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwauke, WI
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Last Time
This is the first meeting between the Kings and Bucks this season. The Bucks generally have given Sacramento a hard time the last several seasons, including an 0-2 record for the Kings last season.
Three in the Key
Win the Turnover Battle
The Kings will need every opportunity if they want to steal a win in Milwaukee. That starts with protecting the ball, eliminating unforced errors, and creating some easy opportunities off turnovers for themselves. The Bucks come into this game averaging 13.2 turnovers per game, while the Kings average 13.7.
Big Battle
Part of the struggle against Philadelphia was the way Philly stifled and frustrated Domantas Sabonis early in the game. Brook Lopez will be a hearty and physical challenge. For as physical as Sabonis is, he sometimes struggles when facing equally physical players. The Bucks have size and length to frustrate the Kings and eliminate easy baskets at the time.
Score Early, Score Often
The Bucks aren’t the defensive powerhouse that they once were, with a defensive rating worse than Sacramento’s this season. The Bucks still score in bunches though. If the Kings want to have an shot at this game, they need to start strong. The Kings have started too many games this season with an early lull and early deficits. The Kings will struggle to win this one if they start slow again.
Prediction
Sacramento remembers how to shoot, and buries the Bucks under a barrage of threes.
Kings 135, Bucks 121
[Editor’s Note: No Predictions Contest for this game]
