Game #7: Kings @ Bucks Preview

Let's get freaky.

What: Kings @ Milwaukee Bucks

When: 5 P.M. PT

Where: BMO Harris Bradley Center

How to Watch: CSN California

Another night, another incredibly frustrating game for the Kings. Thursday night in Orlando, the team started off well only to collapse in the 2nd quarter and allow the Magic to create some separation. By the time the Kings made a run late in the 4th quarter, time ran out and they suffered their third consecutive defeat. The Atlanta-Miami-Orlando swing is always a tough test, especially for a West Coast team. The fact that the Kings play 11 games in the first 17 nights of the NBA season also doesn't help. But the team has looked awful at times over the past three contests and their play has been inexcusable even if the schedule isn't working in their favor. Tonight, they face a Bucks squad currently riding a hot streak. Let's see what awaits the team in Milwaukee.

Young Bucks

This seems to be a recurring theme early on in this Kings season. The Milwaukee Bucks, much like the Minnesota Timberwolves, are stockpiled with young players taken high in the draft. These young guys don't know any better than to take the floor and play hard every night. That attitude has the team at a surprising 3-2 start following a huge 125-107 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Many in the media had the Bucks taking a step back this season. I felt otherwise and figured Jason Kidd would have his young Bucks ready to play every night. They're my sleeper pick in the Eastern Conference and so far, they look good. Their best player, Giannis Antetokounmpo AKA The Greek Freak, is off to a sensational start to the season. If the Kings want to notch a huge road win in Milwaukee, they'll have to contain him. That's much easier said than done considering he's Mister Fantastic in basketball form.

Gut Check Time

We're only seven games into this young NBA season but the Kings have already experienced a ton of highs and lows. The opening night win in Phoenix and the home opening loss to the Spurs gave us glimpses of just how competitive this team can be. Early on, the impact that head coach Dave Joerger has made on this team could be seen particularly on the defensive side of the ball. During the course of this road trip however, things have fallen by the wayside. Teams are getting more open looks from beyond the arc. Guards are knifing through the lane and carving up the Kings' defense at will. For years, we've had to endure watching horrendous defense from this team and the problems, as expected, can't just disappear overnight. But the team has shown flashes. If they can come out and play well from the jump like they did in their first three contests, they'll have a good chance of salvaging their first big road trip of the season.