There were a number of interesting developments when the Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks submitted their injury reports for Saturday’s game at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
The Kings ruled Malik Monk out due to personal reasons, taking another key player out of coach Doug Christie’s rotation with Keegan Murray already sidelined because of a thumb injury. On a brighter note, rookie first-round draft pick Nique Clifford was upgraded to questionable after missing the past four games with a strained right hamstring.
The Bucks listed two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo as questionable due to left knee patellar tendinopathy. Antetokounmpo was a late scratch for Thursday’s game against the Golden State Warriors after being listed as probable earlier in the day.
The Kings (1-4) are coming off a 126-113 loss to the Chicago Bulls. They are desperate for a win with frustrations mounting and a daunting schedule ahead.
The Bucks (4-1) are trying to wrap up a 3-0 homestand after beating the New York Knicks 121-111 on Tuesday and the Warriors 120-110 on Thursday.
Here are three keys to Saturday’s game.
Will Antetokounmpo play?
Antetokounmpo’s status will be a huge factor in Saturday’s game. At 6-foot-11, 243 pounds, the Greek Freak is a force of nature the Kings are ill equipped to contain.
Antetokounmpo has been virtually unstoppable so far this season. He is averaging 36.3 points, 14.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.3 blocks.
Points in the paint
The Kings are allowing 58.0 points in the paint per game, ranking 27th in the NBA. That could be a huge problem if Antetokounmpo is cleared to play.
Antetokounmpo is shooting 69.5% from the field with a whopping 20.5 field-goal attempts per game. He leads the league with 26.5 paint points per game.
Free-throw shooting
The Kings won’t win many close games until they figure out how to solve their free-throw problem.
Sacramento ranks 28th in the NBA in free-throw attempts (20.6) and free-throw percentage (.728).
Kings at Bucks
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Fiserv Forum
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Bucks -6.5
Over/under: 231.5
Injury report
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Nique Clifford (hamstring). OUT — Malik Monk (personal); Keegan Murray (thumb); Isaiah Stevens (G League).
Bucks: QUESTIONABLE — Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee). OUT — Kevin Porter Jr. (ankle).