On Monday, the Sacramento Kings will host the Milwaukee Bucks in a matchup of two of the best teams in the NBA. First meeting between the two hot teams since the Bucks’ 126-113 victory in Milwaukee on December 7.
The latest injury update for Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks
With 19 wins in their previous 20 games, the Bucks entered their trip as the top team in the Eastern Conference.
Although two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was out with an injury on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors, it was another two-time MVP who made the difference. Milwaukee’s 125-116 overtime loss to Golden State was fueled by Steph Curry’s 36-point performance in the final minutes of regulation.
It was the Bucks’ third loss since January 16th. They haven’t lost consecutive games since January 12–14, so they’ll be coming into Sacramento on confidence for Monday’s game.
On Saturday’s game, Middleton played 34 minutes and shot 3 for 4 from 3-point range, but Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer has been cautious with the three-time All-usage Star’s after he missed 43 games with injuries.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – Questionable
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is ranked second in the NBA in both scoring (31.2 ppg) and rebounding (11.9 rpg), could return to action on Monday after missing the previous three games due to right hand soreness.
Due to the Bucks’ back-to-back schedule to start the week, the 28-year-old might miss at least one of the games due to the various injuries he’s been dealing with.
The Bucks are likely to continue playing more minutes for Bobby Portis if Giannis Antetokounmpo is unable to return on Monday.
Wesley Matthews (calf) will be able to play in the first game of a back-to-back set on Monday after missing the last nine games with a strained right calf. In his last 11 games, he has averaged 3.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 18.9 minutes per game. If he is healthy enough to play tonight against Sacramento, he may be limited in playing time.
The Kings have won eight of their last nine games heading into Monday’s matchup, including two consecutive games against playoff teams. Domantas Sabonis‘ triple-double of 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists led Sacramento to a 122-117 victory over the New York Knicks on Thursday.
Sabonis, the NBA’s rebounding leader at 12.3 per game, recorded his ninth triple-double of the season on Thursday. Since the All-Star break, this was his third triple-double.
On Saturday, Sabonis followed up with 17 points and eight boards. He contributed 17 points, one of four Kings players in double figures, as Sacramento defeated the Phoenix Suns, 122-119.
