Camille Davis and Justin Garcia here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Bucks podcast, with your daily Locked On Bucks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Bucks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Can the Milwaukee Bucks Answer the Latest Challenge?
Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) pauses before the start of a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner/Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Bucks Face Red-Hot Kings: A Test of Resilience and Offensive Prowess
The Milwaukee Bucks are gearing up for an exciting intra-conference showdown against the surging Sacramento Kings. Since making a coaching change just after Christmas, the Kings have been on fire, boasting a 7-1 record. Their recent performance has been nothing short of impressive, with the fifth-best offense, fifth-best defense, and third-best net rating in the league over that span.
In contrast, the Bucks have struggled to find consistency, going 4-4 in the same timeframe. While our defense has remained solid, ranking 10th, our offense has slipped to 20th. This matchup presents an opportunity for us to address our offensive woes and get back on track.
The Kings’ resurgence can be attributed to their simplified offense under interim head coach Doug Christie. Domantas Sabonis revealed that they’re running just three or four plays, focusing on De’Aaron Fox, DeMar DeRozan, and Sabonis himself. This streamlined approach has allowed the team to play more freely and effectively.
For the Bucks, this game is crucial. We need to showcase the team we’re capable of being, especially after our recent loss to the New York Knicks. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s efficiency has been a concern lately, but the Kings’ defense might provide an opportunity for him to regain his form.
The Kings’ backcourt, led by the red-hot De’Aaron Fox, will pose a significant challenge for our perimeter defense. Fox has been averaging nearly 30 points per game on improved efficiency since the coaching change. We’ll need to contain him while also keeping an eye on secondary scorers like Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter.
Our injury report is a concern, with Gary Trent Jr. and Ryan Rollins listed as questionable. Their absence could put additional pressure on our bench players, particularly Andre Jackson Jr. and A.J. Green, who’ll need to step up defensively.
This matchup against the Kings provides an excellent opportunity for our team to bounce back and reassert ourselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference. It’s a chance for Giannis to dominate, for our offense to find its rhythm, and for our defense to prove its mettle against a high-powered Kings attack.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks-Kings matchup, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
• Preview of the upcoming Rivals Week and the Bucks’ designated rival
• Analysis of the Bucks’ schedule for the week and potential “get-right” games for Giannis
• Discussion on the Kings’ improved rim protection and its implications for the Bucks’ offense
Jan 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles up court against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. | John E. Sokolowski/John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Something I realized last night at the Warriors-Raptors game, perhaps more pressingly than the last time the team was in town a season ago — this thing isn’t going to last forever.
You wouldn’t get that impression from Steph Curry, who takes his pre-game warmup last and happily engages with the fans who show up an hour before tip-off to watch him. Curry’s off-court presence, compared to his superstar contemporaries, has always been demure and private, but watching him revel and work within that outsized adoration is a privilege in itself. No fan in attendance watching him take feathery lob after feathery lob, or take a volleyball spike to the basketball so he could meet it mid-air for a dunk, was thinking about the finite nature of Curry — performer or competitor.
Even if the underlying desire of proximity to greatness stems from the understanding that one day that greatness will no longer exist, that reality doesn’t translate in the moment. In the moment, there’s just Curry, laughing with his coaches, signing the backs of jerseys, going through footwork, prepping for the night’s game.
Where the impression of a dynasty in its final stages becomes more pronounced is through the words of Warriors coach, Steve Kerr. Asked about how difficult it is to maintain a dynasty, and Kerr reverted to Curry.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Preview The Milwaukee Bucks face the Sacramento Kings. Key details include start time, TV schedule, and the injury report. Fans can anticipate a competitive matchup. (Brew Hoop)
Rumor Speculation swirls as Jimmy Butler trade rumors suggest a potential exchange involving Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Pat Connaughton with the Miami Heat. The Bucks could be exploring bold moves. (Brew Hoop)
Analysis The performance of the Bucks’ rookies has been promising, with their potential catching the attention of many. These young talents could significantly shape the team’s future dynamics. (Behind the Buck Pass)
Preview The 2025 NBA mock draft includes full two-round predictions and professional comparisons. The Bucks are eyeing prospects to enhance their future roster. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Kings will clash with the Bucks at the Fiserv Forum at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Analysis TheDetroit Pistons are emerging as a serious surprise story this season. (TSN)
Biz Explosive court documents show co-conspirators and other shocking details in Jontay Porter’s ongoing betting scandal. (The Athletic)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Injury Update: Key Players Sidelined and Return Timelines For Fantasy Basketball
Jan 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (13) attempts a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray/Rob Gray-Imagn Images
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA season, injuries continue to play a significant role in shaping team dynamics and fantasy basketball strategies. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful injuries across the league and their potential implications.
The Utah Jazz are once again at the forefront of injury-related drama. Lauri Markkanen’s back spasms and John Collins’ hip issue have raised eyebrows, with many speculating about potential load management strategies. Keyonte George’s heel soreness has kept him out for five consecutive games, while Jordan Clarkson’s plantar fascia injury could potentially end his season. The Jazz’s injury situation is one to monitor closely, as it could lead to increased opportunities for players like Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier
In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s knee injury has kept him out for four consecutive games. This absence highlights the risks associated with drafting Embiid in the first round of fantasy drafts. With a busy schedule ahead, including back-to-back sets, Embiid’s playing time could be limited even upon his return.
For more insights and a deeper dive into NBA injuries and their fantasy implications, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
• Portland Trail Blazers injury updates
• Phoenix Suns roster changes and injury concerns
• Orlando Magic’s lengthy injury report and fantasy implications
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bucks podcasts.
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