The Sacramento Kings (13-9) are set to kick off their six-game road trip this evening when they face off with the Milwaukee Bucks (17-6). The Bucks are coming off back-to-back wins heading into this one while the Kings carry a three-game winning streak of their own.
Despite their strong record early in the season, the Bucks are still building toward their groove for the long haul of the NBA season. Khris Middleton has only played in two games so far while Giannis Antetokounmpo has been doing his usual thing which has led the Bucks to a stellar start.
On the Kings side of things, there is an entirely new feel to the team and with that, there has been early success on the court that the franchise has not experienced in a number of years. Coming off their two strongest defensive performances of the season, the Kings will look to start their road trip off strong in order to keep this early season momentum going.
Sacramento Kings vs Milwaukee Bucks Odds, Spread, Over/Under
The Sacramento Kings are +7 (-112) entering this one. The total for the game is sitting at 235.5 (-110). Sacramento is +220 on the Moneyline while the Bucks are -270. Unsurprisingly, De’Aaron Fox has the highest point total of any Sacramento player at 21.5.
As the Kings have recently been stepping it up on the defensive end of the court, combined with the fact that the Bucks know how to play a defensive oriented game, the high total seems a bit generous for these two teams even though they are both capable of scoring early and often.
The Bucks will want to prevent the Kings from scoring in transition and force them into halfcourt sets and the Kings will need to play patient in the half court if they want to make this a competitive game.
Betting Kings unders is nearly impossible right now but that seems like one of the smarter plays on the board in this one.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Kings Injury Report
As of writing, Terence Davis remains questionable for this one and is the only notable player listed on the Kings injury report. He has played an impactful role at times this season and having him as extra ammunition in what should be a battle would be ideal. Either way, the Kings have to be relatively thankful they enter this six-game road stretch so close to fully healthy.
Things can change quickly in that regard, so each game at or near full strength is something to take advantage of. The Bucks are close to full strength as well, especially if Serge Ibaka takes the court. He is listed as questionable ahead of tip off.
Sacramento Kings vs. Milwaukee Bucks Prediction
The Bucks are an extremely tough matchup for this Sacramento Kings roster. Defending them won’t be easy and scoring on them in the half court will be nearly as difficult. The Kings will have to take and make tough shots in this one and find a way to at least slow down Giannis inside.
If Fox can have a strong game scoring the ball, the Kings should be in a tight one for most of the game. His ability to score makes his shooters that much more open.
Ultimately, the Bucks are ahead of the Kings right now and will take advantage of their homecourt. Giannis could be on track for a monster double double barring an out of nowhere performance by some of the Kings reserve big men.
Final Score: Kings 108, Bucks 118