The Milwaukee Bucks head to Sacramento to take on the Kings on Sunday, and a win would go a long way as they prepare to run the gauntlet. The teams they will battle between January 7 and 23 boast a combined record of 155-85 this season. Sitting at 15-20 on the season, this could be the stretch that either gets Milwaukee's contention hopes off life support or pulls the plug entirely.
Bucks desperately need to get some wins against good competition
Yes, the Milwaukee Bucks have shown some signs of life lately, as they are 3-1, but they haven't been playing the best of the best. Over their last four games, the Bucks have played the Chicago Bulls (17-17), the Charlotte Hornets twice (11-23), and the Washington Wizards (9-24). It's far from a guarantee that a 3-1 record in this stretch proves the Bucks are back.
If the Bucks truly want to prove they can compete, coming out of this stretch with a good record will be the true test. After the Kings, the Bucks schedule features the Golden State Warriors (17-17), the Los Angeles Lakers (21-11), the Denver Nuggets (23-11), the Minnesota Timberwolves (21-13), the San Antonio Spurs (25-9), the Atlanta Hawks (17-19), the OKC Thunder (30-5), and the Nuggets again.
Making things tougher is the fact that only three of those eight games are at home. Not only do the Milwaukee Bucks have to play some of the best of the best, but they have to do it in hostile arenas.
It must be noted that several of these teams are dealing with sizeable injuries. Denver's Nikola Jokic is slated to miss both matchups due to a hyperextended knee. Austin Reaves is unlikely to be back in time for that matchup with the Lakers. Warriors sharpshooter Stephen Curry has been battling ankle issues recently. Almost everyone will be missing a key piece.
No matter who is on the court, though, the Milwaukee Bucks need to show what they are made of and get some wins. Only one team in this stretch is currently under .500, and that team, Atlanta, happens to be one spot above the Bucks in the Eastern Conference standings. They need that win if they want to dig themselves out of this hole.
The Bucks are desperate. This is simply do-or-die time. The team is healthy. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been great since returning. Ryan Rollins looks like the Most Improved Player. Kevin Porter Jr. has been a two-way force. Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma have been better lately. With a 3-1 record over their last four games, they have some momentum on their side, and they need to retain it.
It all starts with what will hopefully be a rousing win against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.
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