By Alan Tapley – Wannamakeabet Staff Writer
Milwaukee Bucks 9-9 (4-5 away) @ Sacramento Kings 6-14 (4-5 home)
The Sacramento Kings (+7) play host to Giannis Anteokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks tonight at the Golden 1 Center. The Kings are coming off their biggest win of the year as they knocked off the Golden State Warrior last night, 110-106, although Sacramento caught a huge break as the Warriors played without Kevin Durant or Steph Curry.
Milwaukee is still trying to find the right chemistry as the acquisition of Eric Bledsoe increased the number of players who want the ball in their hand, and decreased playing time, defensive intensity, and players willing to set a screen. Giannis is a match up nightmare and you can mark him down for 35 points and 10 boards, but the rest of the Bucks are mainly jump shooters. When your inside game is based around John Henson, you have some issues.
Speaking of issues, the Sacramento has a lot of them. The King’s roster is simply void of talent. While De’Aaron Fox should be an all-star in a few years, Willie Cauley-Stein, Buddy Hield, and Skal Labissiere look like perennial bench players.
Sacramento has scored 110 and 113 in their last two wins, while Milwaukee is hardly known for their stout defense. Look for a high scoring affair and take the over (o/u 198.5) as Sacramento would be wise to push the pace.
Milwaukee has lost three of the last four games and are only 5-7 against the spread as a favorite. Combine that with fact that the Kings are 6-3 against the spread at home and are riding a three-game ATS winning streak, getting seven points could be a gift.
A young team might have a letdown after such a big win from the previous night, but veterans such as Vince Carter, Zach Randolph, and George Hill should have the kids ready to go in front of an energetic home crowd. Milwaukee is the more talented team, but without a defense look for Zach Randolph to own the paint, and for the guard rotation of George Hill, De’Aaron Fox, and the immerging Frank Mason III to be enough to cover the perimeter and the spread.