The Sacramento Kings will face the Milwaukee Bucks in a notable cross-conference showdown, though both squads will be missing key players.
The Bucks will be without All-Star guard Damian Lillard, while the Kings will be missing their All-NBA center, Domantas Sabonis, forcing both teams to rely on their supporting casts.
Sacramento has dropped five of its last seven games, falling to 34-33 and badly needing a win on their home floor. However, things have worsened for the Kings as they will now also be without standout guard, who was unexpectedly ruled out due to illness ahead of the matchup.
In his first year as a full-time starter, Malik Monk has elevated his play. Over 45 starts, he’s averaged 18.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, stepping into the lead guard role following the Kings’ trade of De’Aaron Fox.
While Monk has dealt with some injuries—missing three games in early March due to a right toe sprain and sitting out six games in November with a right ankle sprain—he has generally been a steady presence for Sacramento.
The Kings have struggled in his absence, going just 3-8 without Monk this season, making his absence against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks on Saturday night a significant blow for a team fighting to stay afloat.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST in Sacramento.