Kevin Porter, Giannis speak on Bucks victory, Doc Rivers on wins mark
Kevin Porter Jr. and Giannis Antetokounmpo speak on the Bucks win in Charlotte, Doc Rivers on passing George Karl in career wins on Dec. 29, 2025
SACRAMENTO – The Milwaukee Bucks bounced back from a tough, last-second loss to Washington on Dec. 31 with a comeback, last-second win over Charlotte on Jan. 2. Now the team tries again to build something off a victory when they play the lowly Sacramento Kings tonight at the Golden 1 Center.
The Kings are one of the worst teams in the NBA with an 8-27 record, which tied for their worst 35-game record since the organization moved to Sacramento in 1985. But, one of those victories came against the Bucks, winning 135-133 in Milwaukee on Nov. 1 after the Bucks couldn’t build upon an early 15-point lead.
This time, the Kings will be without all-star center Domantas Sabonis (knee) and all-star guard Zach LaVine is questionable with a left ankle sprain.
The Bucks won two consecutive games on Dec. 27-29, which was the first time they had done that since Oct. 28-30.
Is Giannis playing?
Yes. He is listed as probable to play as the team continues to manage the aftereffects of a right calf strain suffered on Dec. 3, but Antetokounmpo’s minutes continue to increase since his return on Dec. 27. He logged just under 30 against the Hornets, scoring 30 points, pulling down 10 rebounds and handing out five assists.
It was a historical performance, as it was his 158th with 30-plus points, 10-plus rebounds and five-plus assists. That broke a tie with Oscar Robertson to give Antetokounmpo the career NBA record.
Since his return on Dec. 27 in Chicago when he played 24:42), Antetokounmpo’s minutes have gradually increased. He noted in Charlotte on Dec. 29 after playing 25:17 that he didn’t like the limitation, because he felt rushed and unable to fully play his game, but it appears that he is trending toward playing a full 30 minutes (or more) for the first time since Dec. 1.
Milwaukee Bucks injury reportTaurean Prince, out (neck surgery)Gary Harris, questionable (neck strain)Giannis Antetokounmpo, probable (right calf injury management)Bucks probable starting lineupGuards: Kevin Porter Jr., AJ Green, Ryan RollinsForward: Giannis AntetokounmpoCenter: Myles TurnerWhat time is the Bucks game?
Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT.
What channel is the Bucks game on?
The game will be broadcast locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin with Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson and Stephen Watson on the call.
Bucks vs. Kings odds
Milwaukee is a 6.5-point favorite over Sacramento, with the over/under set at 228.5 points per BetMGM.