Bucks Face Kings Missing Key Stars in Crucial Showdown

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Milwaukee Bucks are set to face the Sacramento Kings in what could be a pivotal matchup as the regular season nears its end. The game is scheduled for tonight, March 22, 2025, at the Golden 1 Center, with both teams experiencing the absence of key players due to injuries and suspensions.

The Bucks currently hold a 1-0 advantage in their season series against the Kings, having defeated them 130-115 in January, which halted Sacramento’s seven-game win streak following the firing of Coach Mike Brown. Milwaukee’s victory added further pressure on both teams as they strive for better playoff positioning in the Eastern and Western Conferences.

As reported by insider Shams Charania from ESPN, Bucks star point guard Damian Lillard will not play tonight due to a sore right calf. This marks the second consecutive game he has missed, which is a rare occurrence for the nine-time All-Star. Additionally, Bobby Portis remains sidelined with a league suspension, and Jericho Sims is out with a UCL sprain in his right thumb.

Despite these setbacks, Milwaukee could see the return of two vital players. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been dealing with right patella tendinopathy, and shooting guard Gary Trent Jr., who has a similar issue with his left knee, are both listed as probable for tonight’s game. Antetokounmpo’s presence would be critical for the Bucks as they look to claim victory against a full-strength Kings squad.

Meanwhile, the Kings will be without their star center, Domantas Sabonis, who is recovering from a right ankle sprain sustained during a March 17 game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Sabonis had previously battled a hamstring injury earlier in March, limiting his availability. His absence will be a blow to Sacramento, who are currently vying for a favorable position in the playoffs.

Sacramento has experienced a rollercoaster season, but they were recently on a four-game losing streak before rebounding with a win over the Grizzlies. DeMar DeRozan has been instrumental in the Kings’ offense lately, averaging 23.4 points and 5.6 assists in March, and he will play a crucial role in filling the scoring void left by Sabonis.

The Bucks, holding a record of 40-30, are just 1.5 games behind the Indiana Pacers for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and are currently just ahead of the Detroit Pistons, who hold the sixth seed. Every game is pivotal as they enter the final stretch of the regular season, with the Kings standing at 35-34, sitting in ninth place in the West and looking to secure a playoff spot.

This matchup will be aired locally on NBA TV and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 9:00 p.m. CDT. Fans can also catch the action by streaming the game live on various channels.