The Golden 1 Center in Sacramento is set for a compelling NBA matchup on Sunday, January 4, 2026, as the struggling Milwaukee Bucks take on the depleted Sacramento Kings. While both teams find themselves well below the .500 mark this season, the game's intrigue lies heavily in the injury report, which could dramatically shape the on-court action.
Key Player Absences Shape the Contest
The availability of star players is the central storyline. For the visiting Milwaukee Bucks (15-20), the spotlight is on superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is listed as probable as the team manages a right calf issue. His presence is critical; the Bucks' winning percentage plummets when he is absent. Guard Gary Harris (neck strain) is questionable, while Taurean Prince remains out recovering from neck surgery.
The Sacramento Kings (8-27) face a more severe crisis, particularly in the frontcourt. All-Star center Domantas Sabonis is out with a knee injury and isn't expected back until late January. The team has struggled immensely without his presence. Additionally, Zach LaVine (left ankle sprain) and Maxime Raynaud (knee) are both tagged as questionable, further depleting the roster.
On-Court Matchups and Viewing Details
With Sabonis sidelined, Giannis Antetokounmpo could find more freedom to operate in the paint. Sacramento will lean heavily on veterans DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook to generate offense. Meanwhile, the Bucks might look to Ryan Rollins to exploit a Kings defense that allows an average of 122.5 points per game. The battle on the boards between Bobby Portis and Keegan Murray will also be crucial for a Milwaukee team that has had rebounding woes.
Fans can catch all the action starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT). The broadcast will air on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin for Bucks fans and on NBC Sports California for Kings supporters. The game is also available via NBA League Pass and local radio broadcasts on WTMJ and KHTK.
Betting Lines and Game Prediction
Despite their subpar record, the Milwaukee Bucks enter the contest as 6.5-point favorites on the road. The over/under for total points scored is set at 228.5. While Sacramento covered the spread in the teams' most recent meeting, Milwaukee's status on the road keeps them favored. Analysts project a narrow victory for the Bucks, with a final score prediction of 116-115, suggesting the Kings will keep it close and the total points may trend slightly over the set line.
Ultimately, this game serves as a test of depth and resilience for two teams looking to build momentum. The final outcome will likely hinge on which squad best overcomes its significant injury challenges.
