Bucks Aim to Extend Dominance as Shorthanded Kings Visit Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Sacramento Kings are set to clash this Saturday evening at Fiserv Forum in what’s shaping up to be an intriguing inter-conference matchup. While Milwaukee has been off to a solid start this season, Sacramento has been struggling to find its rhythm, managing to win just one of its first five games. The odds appear to be in the Bucks’ favor, especially with their impressive home form and Sacramento’s recent injury woes.
The Kings are heading into this matchup quite short-handed. Three key players will miss the game, including power forward Keegan Murray, who recently underwent surgery to repair a torn UCL in his left thumb. His absence is a major blow, especially since he had just signed a five-year, $140 million rookie extension and was expected to be a cornerstone for the team this season. Malik Monk, one of the Kings’ most reliable scoring options off the bench, is also unavailable due to personal reasons. Monk had been performing efficiently, averaging nearly 16 points per game while shooting over 54% from the field and 52% from beyond the arc. Additionally, two-way player Isaiah Stevens remains with the Kings’ G League affiliate in Stockton.
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There’s a bit of relief for Sacramento fans, though, as Nique Clifford, who had been questionable earlier due to a hamstring strain, has been cleared to play. But even with his return, the Kings will need standout performances from Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox to have a chance against a well-balanced Milwaukee squad. Sabonis has been steadily regaining form after a slow start caused by a hamstring issue in the preseason. He’s recorded four consecutive double-doubles, signaling that he’s getting back to his usual dominant self.
On the Bucks’ side, the biggest question mark remains Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP missed Milwaukee’s last game against the Warriors due to left knee patellar tendinopathy. Despite his absence, the Bucks still pulled off a surprise win against Golden State, showcasing the team’s depth. If Giannis is cleared to return, it will be a massive boost for Milwaukee, as he’s been nearly unstoppable when healthy—averaging 36 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists per game while shooting an astonishing 69.5% from the floor.
Another positive sign for Milwaukee is the recent emergence of Myles Turner, who joined the team this offseason on a four-year, $107 million deal. Turner delivered his best game of the season against the Warriors, putting up 17 points, seven boards, and three assists, proving he’s starting to click with his new teammates.
The Bucks have dominated this matchup historically, winning eight of their last nine regular-season meetings with Sacramento, including both contests last season. The Kings haven’t tasted victory in Milwaukee since 2016, and given the current circumstances, that streak might just continue. With the Bucks turning Fiserv Forum into a fortress and Sacramento still finding its footing, Milwaukee enters this one as the clear favorite to keep their strong start rolling.
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