Preview: Kings hope to defeat Bucks for first time since 2016

Dec 7, 2022, 8:31 AM | Updated: 8:36 am

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings shoots over Serge I...

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Editor & Kings Beat Writer

If you believe in due, the Sacramento Kings are very due to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks.

Sacramento will look to secure its first victory over the Bucks since February 1, 2016, as they hope to bring a 12-game head-to-head losing streak to an end on Wednesday night.

The Kings (13-9), who are currently on a three-game winning streak, will face a Bucks (17-6) team that holds the second-best record in the NBA behind two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo’s red-hot start to the season.

During Sacramento’s most-recent win over Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo had yet to log an All-Star appearance. Nearly seven years later, the 28-year-old is a different player–but these aren’t the same Kings, either.

Here’s everything you need to know for tonight’s Kings vs. Bucks matchup.

I'd imagine that Domantas Sabonis is a near-lock to make the All-Star team this season.

16.7 PTS | 11.0 REB | 6.5 AST | 60% FG | 37% 3PT

NBA Ranks
▪️ 1st in 10-10-5 games
▪️ 14 double-doubles (2nd)
▪️ 6th in Off. RTG (130.6)
▪️ 10th in Win Shares (3.3)pic.twitter.com/li592UnxgQ

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) December 5, 2022

Sacramento Kings vs Milwaukee Bucks Game Info

When: 5:00 PM PST

Where: Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, wi

TV: NBC Sports California

Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 AM – Pregame coverage starts at 3:30 PM PST on Game Night

Line: Bucks -6.5, O/U: 236

What To Watch For

Can the defense keep trending upward?

After a lackluster start to the season on the defensive end, Sacramento is finally starting to show some promise under head coach Mike Brown’s tutelage.

The Kings have turned in three-straight games with a defensive rating of 100 or lower, as they have jumped from the mid-20s to 15th in the NBA among defensive rating leaders.

Slowing down a Bucks offense with Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday will not be easy, but the positive signs have been there defensively for Sacramento. Players like Davion Mitchell and KZ Okpala have been difference makers for the defense, and they will assuredly have their hands full with Milwaukee’s All-Star trio.

Sabonis vs Lopez

Domantas Sabonis will follow up a triple-double performance that took place on Sunday with a head-to-head matchup against a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Brook Lopez.

Lopez enters play on Wednesday with the fourth-best defensive rating in the NBA (104.8) as he will look to slow down Sabonis, a player that is currently on track to secure his third All-Star appearance.

Sabonis is shooting an eye-popping 80 percent at the rim this season, but he will have a tall (pun intended) matchup against Lopez, who currently leads the NBA in blocked shots (66) and blocks per game (3.0).

Recent History

As stated earlier, the recent history between these teams has been very one-sided.

Sacramento has lost 12 straight games against the Bucks dating back to the 2016-17 season. Their last win? February 1, 2016. Rudy Gay and Rajon Rondo were the leading charges behind a 111-104 win at Sleep Train Arena.