The Milwaukee Bucks are scheduled to face the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in a highly anticipated NBA matchup at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, starting at 10 p.m. ET. Currently, the Bucks hold a record of 39-30 while the Kings have a record of 35-34. Both teams have key players dealing with injuries, which could significantly impact the outcome of the game.
As the Bucks prepare for their match, they have listed several players on their injury report, including star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Both Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr. are labeled as probable with knee injuries, which has become a point of concern for the Bucks as they aim to secure a critical win against a competitive Kings team. In addition, Damian Lillard is listed as day-to-day with a groin injury, while Jericho Sims is out with a thumb injury.
The Kings are slightly better off health-wise, though they too have key absences. Domantas Sabonis has been ruled out due to an ankle injury, which is a significant loss for Sacramento as he has been a vital part of their offensive and defensive schemes. Despite this setback, the Kings have demonstrated a strong offensive presence in recent games.
In terms of performance statistics, the Kings have been scoring an average of 116.6 points per game, placing them eighth in the NBA, and have a scoring differential of +53 overall. Zach LaVine leads the Kings in scoring with an average of 23.3 points per game, making him a primary focus for the Bucks' defense. Alongside him, DeMar DeRozan has been contributing significantly, averaging 23.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.
Meanwhile, the Bucks also have impressive scoring numbers, averaging 114.5 points per game, ranking them 14th in the league. Antetokounmpo shines as their leading scorer with 30.2 points per game, complemented by a solid average of 11.9 rebounds. This scoring output is critical for Milwaukee as they look to maintain their playoff position.
The Bucks are also shooting well from beyond the arc with an average of 14.1 three-pointers made per game, which ranks them eighth in the league. With Damian Lillard leading this aspect, as he averages 3.4 three-pointers made per game, their ability to hit long-range shots will be crucial against a Kings team that allows opponents to shoot 38.4% from deep.
When it comes to rebounding, both teams are quite closely matched, with the Bucks and Kings averaging 44 rebounds per game. The Kings lead in overall rebounding by an average of 1.8 boards, with Jonas Valančiūnas contributing 8.2 rebounds per game, placing him among the top 20 in the league. In contrast, Antetokounmpo leads for the Bucks with 11.9 rebounds per game, holding the sixth position in the league standings.
While both teams are capable offensively, their fortunes will depend heavily on the performances of injured players. If Giannis and Lillard can play effectively, the Bucks will likely be a challenging opponent for the Kings. Conversely, if the Kings can navigate their lineup challenges effectively and capitalize on Milwaukee's injuries, they could secure a win on home turf.
Fans can catch the game on NBA TV, FDSWI, and NBCS-CA, or stream it live on Fubo. As the teams take to the court, all eyes will be on how injuries influence the game strategy and player performance, making it a must-watch for any NBA enthusiast.
As both teams gear up for this exciting match, one can only wonder how the injury report will shape the dynamics on the court. Will the Bucks' top players make a significant impact? Or can the Kings find a way to overcome the absence of their star center? As the 10 p.m. ET tip-off approaches, the excitement is palpable.