Sacramento Kings (35 - 13) <font size="1">Road: 12-9 Last 10: 6-4</font> Milwaukee Bucks (27 - 23) <font size="1">Home: 20-5 Last 10: 5-5</font> Previous Game Denver 92 @Sacramento 115 New Orleans 97 @ Milwaukee 107 Team History They haven't yet played this season. Probable Starters Mike Bibby (SK) against TJ Ford (MB) Doug Christie (SK) against Michael Redd (MB) Peja Stojakovic (SK) against Tim Thomas (MB) Brad Miller (SK) against Joe Smith (MB) Vlade Divac (SK) against Brian Skinner (MB) Key Matchup vs. Suprisingly, the key matchup isn't between two starters, but a starter and a bench player. Peja Stojakovic: 25.3 PPG (.480 FG%), 6.10 RPG, 2.1 APG Desmond Mason: 13.0 PPG (.473 FG%), 4.40 RPG, 2.0 APG Injuries <u>Sacramento Kings</u> Chris Webber <u>Milwaukee Bucks</u> Joel Przybilla Keys to the Game: <u>Sacramento Kings</u> <ul> [*]Contain Michael Redd [*]Stop Desmond Mason from providing energy [*]Get into the running game early [*]Keep the crowd from getting involved [*]Set good screens for Peja [/list] <u>Milwaukee Bucks</u> <ul> [*]Get the crowd into the game [*]Stop Peja Stojakovic [*]Run both ends of the floor [*]Force turnovers and bad shots [*]Make Peja go right [/list] Just a reminder... Both teams have offensive powerhouse shooters in Peja and Michael. Both could easily keep going, and we should be looking forward to a high scoring contest. Crossover's Prediction Milwaukee is nearly unstoppable at home, so if the Kings want to win, it is absolutely neccessary to keep the crowd out of the game. Redd will likely get going early, so they must get Peja to hit his shots to keep things balanced. Redd is a slight advantage because he can create his own shot, so force him to the outside shots. Desmond Mason will likely come out early and D up on Peja, and he's a damn good defender, too. He'll be forcing Peja into double teams and force him to go baseline, and he's a major source of energy for the Bucks. If he comes off and gets a dunk, even a weak one, the crowd will go wild. Keep him away from the rim at all costs. Because of Milwaukee's home record, I'll say they'll get this game by 7.
Nice preview Crossover. I believe that the Bucks just aren't good enough to pull out a win tonight. Kings by 9.
One of the best previews I've seen in a while man. Kings will beat the Bucks, but Redd will smoke Christie. Kings by 9.
Tough call this. The Kings have the the necessary firepower to beat anyone anywhere, but Milwaukee's home record is very hard to argue with. It's a hard call to say who will start favourites here, but I'll play safe and go with the home team, a 20-5 record is tough to go against. Bucks by 4 in OT.
