As the NBA regular season nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on the matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings on Saturday, March 22, 2025. With both teams aiming for playoff positions, the tension is palpable as they meet at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. The Bucks, currently sitting with a record of 39-30, are seen as front-runners for a top-six playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Kings, boasting a 35-34 record, cling to the hope of a play-in spot in the highly competitive Western Conference.
The matchup kicks off at 10 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on NBA TV as well as regional networks FDSWI and NBCS-CA. What’s fueling the excitement ahead of the game? A combination of recent performances, injury updates, and betting odds create a thrilling backdrop.
In their most recent outing, the Milwaukee Bucks delivered a crushing 118-89 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. This win marked a much-needed boost, proving their resilience despite an injury-riddled roster. Giannis Antetokounmpo has battled injuries all season but remains a powerful force on the court, contributing critical points and assists when on the floor. His performance against the Lakers was a testament to his abilities, further indicating that the Bucks are formidable contenders heading into the postseason.
Conversely, the Kings suffered a disappointing defeat in their last game against the Chicago Bulls, which added to their woes. Despite DeMar DeRozan’s historic achievement of surpassing 25,000 career points—making him only the 27th player to do so—the Kings could not reclaim their momentum. Sacramento's poor performance has seen them slump, which could prove detrimental as they struggle to secure a decent playoff spot.
Historically, the Bucks have fared well against the Kings, holding a 9-1 record in their last ten meetings. They also boast a winning streak of four games against Sacramento, winning 130-115 in their previous encounter earlier in the season. This dominance offers the Bucks a psychological edge as they approach the game.
In terms of predictions, the betting lines agree with the stats, favoring the Bucks slightly as 1-point underdogs. A computer projection model anticipates a close contest, predicting the final score to be Kings 115, Bucks 114, with an expected total of 229.2 points. Betting experts suggest taking the over on 227.5 points, emphasizing the scoring capabilities of both teams.
Injury reports further intertwine the narratives of both teams. Milwaukee is grappling with the absence of nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, who has been sidelined with right calf soreness. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr. are considered probable to play, which could bolster their chances. Conversely, the Kings will be without their star center, Domantas Sabonis, who continues to recover from an ankle injury.
This game holds additional significance for Sacramento. Currently positioned ninth in the Western Conference, the Kings are just ahead of the 10th place Phoenix Suns, whose presence heightens the pressure to perform. Meanwhile, Milwaukee sits at fifth in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Indiana Pacers closely for the fourth seed and home-court advantage in the playoffs, making both teams equally hungry for a crucial win.
The Kings have shown resilience in the latter part of the season, particularly in their shooting performance. Having shifted from a lowly 25th in the league for 3-point shooting to an impressive 3rd in the past 14 games, they have adapted their gameplay to remain competitive. Zach LaVine, who has found his stride, is averaging 23.3 points on career-high shooting percentages, which will be pivotal against the Bucks' defense.
As for betting trends, the Kings stand at 30-39 against the spread this season, while the Bucks are 33-36. Yet, with the playoffs just around the corner, the urgency for victory could bestow a different edge to both teams as they approach the court this Saturday.
With the game fast approaching, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching this anticipated clash. With playoff positions on the line, both the Bucks and Kings plan to bring their best, promising an engaging showdown at the Golden 1 Center.
