Bucks Face Kings Amid Playoff Push, Middleton Sits for Rest

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Milwaukee Bucks (20-17) are looking to rebound from a recent loss as they host the Sacramento Kings (20-19) on Tuesday night at Fiserv Forum. The Bucks, currently in a tight race for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, are two games behind the New York Knicks for the No. 3 seed but trail both the Orlando Magic (23-18) and Indiana Pacers (22-18) in the standings.

Sacramento arrives in Milwaukee riding a seven-game winning streak under interim head coach Doug Christie, who took over after Mike Brown was fired on Dec. 27. The Kings have turned their season around, improving to 20-19 after a 13-18 start.

Bucks forward Khris Middleton will sit out Tuesday’s game as part of the team’s plan to manage his minutes and recovery. Middleton, who has been dealing with right knee pain since training camp, has yet to miss a game but is being held out of back-to-back situations. He played 12 consecutive games from Dec. 6 to Jan. 4, including a back-to-back set on Dec. 20-21, but was moved to the bench on Jan. 8 due to ongoing minute restrictions and recovery from offseason ankle surgeries.

“Just back-to-back, we had to choose one game,” Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said. “So, we try to look at the days of rest, giving him extra days of rest. It’s just the way it goes.” Middleton’s absence is aimed at ensuring he’s ready for Wednesday’s crucial Eastern Conference matchup against the Orlando Magic.

In their last meeting with the Magic on Jan. 10, Middleton contributed 11 points and four assists in just under 23 minutes of play. The Bucks will need similar contributions from their supporting cast as they navigate a challenging stretch of the season.

Off the court, second-year Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. is making an impact in the community. Jackson is hosting a coat drive outside Fiserv Forum prior to home games on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. New and gently used coats, hats, gloves, and scarves will be collected and donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and the Greater Amsterdam School District. Cash donations are also being accepted.

“It means a lot to me,” Jackson said of his first community initiative in Milwaukee. “Around winter time, Christmas comes and you’re looking for the next North Face or a nice coat to keep you warm during the winter, so I just thought it would be a good idea.” Jackson, a 23-year-old native of Amsterdam, New York, played collegiately at the University of Connecticut.

Tuesday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, with Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson, and Melanie Ricks on the call. According to BetMGM, the Bucks are slim 2.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 228.5 points.