Bucks Defeat Kings 115-98 in Sacramento Showdown
Sunday, January 4, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Golden 1 Center
Milwaukee Bucks 115, Sacramento Kings 98, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Milwaukee Bucks vs Sacramento Kings?
Milwaukee Bucks beat Sacramento Kings 115-98 at Golden 1 Center on January 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Milwaukee Bucks vs Sacramento Kings?
Milwaukee Bucks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -238 (about 70% implied). The favorite won.
The Milwaukee Bucks secured a decisive 115-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center, marking a significant moment in their ongoing series, which is now tied 1-1. This matchup was notable not only for its implications in the standings but also for the performance of both teams leading into the game. The Kings entered the contest with a home record of 8-28, struggling significantly this season, while the Bucks boasted a more respectable away record of 16-20.
In their last ten games, the Kings have struggled, posting a record of 2-8 and currently on a four-game losing streak. They averaged 109.3 points scored per game while allowing 122.1, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. Their recent games included losses to the Phoenix Suns (102-129), Boston Celtics (106-120), and LA Clippers (90-131). The Kings' last home win was against the Dallas Mavericks, where they managed to score 113 points, but that was followed by a series of disappointing performances.
The Bucks, in contrast, have shown more resilience recently, with a 5-5 record over their last ten games and currently on a one-game winning streak. They averaged 108.8 points scored and allowed 111.2 points during this stretch. Their recent victory came against the Charlotte Hornets, narrowly winning 122-121. The Bucks have been able to maintain a balanced performance, with their last five games yielding an average of 114.8 points scored against 115.2 allowed.
Historically, the Kings and Bucks have faced each other three times in the past two seasons, with the Kings winning one of those matchups. The most recent encounter prior to this game was on November 1, 2025, where the Kings triumphed 135-133. However, the Kings lost their previous two meetings, including one at home on March 23, 2025, where they fell 108-114.
In terms of injuries, the Kings faced significant challenges with key players listed as day-to-day. Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, Zach LaVine, and De'Andre Hunter were all uncertain for the game due to various ailments, including knee, ankle, hand, and eye issues, respectively. The Bucks also had a notable absence, with Kevin Porter Jr. listed as day-to-day due to a knee injury.
The betting market reflected the Bucks' stronger position, with DraftKings setting the odds at Milwaukee -6.5, suggesting they were favored to win by that margin. The total points line was set at 227.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring game.
The conditions for the game were typical for an indoor NBA matchup, with no adverse weather factors affecting play. Fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere, but the Kings' defensive lapses allowed the Bucks to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
As the game unfolded, several key scoring plays stood out. Myles Turner made crucial baskets, including a 20-foot jumper and a 23-foot three-point shot, both assisted by Kevin Porter Jr. DeMar DeRozan contributed with a technical free throw, while Dennis Schroder and Ryan Rollins also added to the Bucks' tally in the fourth quarter.
Ultimately, the Kings were unable to mount a comeback, finishing the game with a final score of 98 points, while the Bucks sealed their victory with 115. The Kings' home win probability was recorded at 0.0, underscoring their struggles in front of their home crowd. This game not only highlighted the Bucks' ability to perform under pressure but also raised questions about the Kings' capacity to turn their season around as they continue to face challenges both on and off the court.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIL -6.5 | 227.5 o -108 / u -112 | Milwaukee Bucks -238 · Sacramento Kings +195 |
Injury report
- Domantas SabonisDay-To-DayKneeSacramento Kings
- Keegan MurrayDay-To-DayAnkleSacramento Kings
- Zach LaVineDay-To-DayHandSacramento Kings
- De'Andre HunterDay-To-DayEyeSacramento Kings
- Kevin Porter Jr.Day-To-DayKneeMilwaukee Bucks
Leaders
- PointsRussell Westbrook21Sacramento Kings
- AssistsDennis Schroder5Sacramento Kings
- ReboundsMaxime Raynaud8Sacramento Kings
- PointsGiannis Antetokounmpo37Milwaukee Bucks
- AssistsKevin Porter Jr.10Milwaukee Bucks
- ReboundsGiannis Antetokounmpo11Milwaukee Bucks
Recent form
Sacramento Kings
Last 10: 2-8Streak L4109.3 scored · 122.1 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L102-129at Phoenix SunsJan 3
- L106-120vs Boston CelticsJan 2
- L90-131at LA ClippersDec 31
- L101-125at Los Angeles LakersDec 29
- W113-107vs Dallas MavericksDec 27
- L127-136vs Detroit PistonsDec 24
- W125-124vs Houston RocketsDec 22
- L93-98vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 21
- L133-134at Portland Trail BlazersDec 19
- L103-117at Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 15
Milwaukee Bucks
Last 10: 5-5Streak W1108.8 scored · 111.2 allowed per game3-3 away
- W122-121vs Charlotte HornetsJan 3
- L113-114vs Washington WizardsJan 1
- W123-113at Charlotte HornetsDec 30
- W112-103at Chicago BullsDec 28
- L104-125at Memphis GrizzliesDec 27
- W111-94at Indiana PacersDec 24
- L100-103at Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 22
- L105-111vs Toronto RaptorsDec 19
- L82-127at Brooklyn NetsDec 14
- W116-101vs Boston CelticsDec 12
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | Milwaukee Bucks | Sacramento Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 39-87 | 34-80 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 10-37 | 5-25 |
| Three-point % | 27 | 20 |
| Free throws | 27-30 | 25-32 |
| Free throw % | 90 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 48 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 36 | 32 |
| Assists | 23 | 17 |
| Steals | 4 | 10 |
| Blocks | 2 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 2 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 23 |
| Points in the paint | 48 | 42 |
| Fouls | 21 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 26 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 89 | 8 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter85-67Zach LaVine makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter85-69Russell Westbrook makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter85-72Dennis Schroder makes 27-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter85-75Zach LaVine makes 26-foot running jump shot (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 4th Quarter85-77Russell Westbrook makes two point shot (Zach LaVine assists)
- 4th Quarter85-79Dennis Schroder makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter85-81Zach LaVine makes 2-foot running dunk (Russell Westbrook assists)
- 4th Quarter87-81Kevin Porter Jr. makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter88-81Kevin Porter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter88-82Dennis Schroder makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter88-83Dennis Schroder makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter88-85Drew Eubanks makes 10-foot two point shot (Zach LaVine assists)
- 4th Quarter89-85Kevin Porter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter90-85Kevin Porter Jr. makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter91-85Kevin Porter Jr. makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter93-85Kevin Porter Jr. makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter95-85Giannis Antetokounmpo makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter95-86Russell Westbrook makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-87Russell Westbrook makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-87Giannis Antetokounmpo makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter97-88Nique Clifford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-88Kevin Porter Jr. makes 16-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter100-88Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-88Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-88Giannis Antetokounmpo makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter104-88Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter105-88Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-88Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-90Zach LaVine makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter106-91Russell Westbrook makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-92Russell Westbrook makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-92Giannis Antetokounmpo makes driving layup (Kevin Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter110-92Myles Turner makes 20-foot jumper (Kevin Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter110-93DeMar DeRozan makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter113-93Myles Turner makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kevin Porter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter113-96Dennis Schroder makes 25-foot three point jumper (DeMar DeRozan assists)
- 4th Quarter114-96Ryan Rollins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-96Ryan Rollins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-97Zach LaVine makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-98Zach LaVine makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Sacramento Kings, below favours Milwaukee Bucks.
Venue
- Golden 1 CenterSacramento, CA
- Attendance15892
- OfficialsSean Wright, Leon Wood, Nick Buchert
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