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Kings hope Cousins returns versus Bucks

Dec 18, 2014 - 2:49 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Sacramento Kings are hoping to get a huge lift Thursday with the possible return of DeMarcus Cousins versus the Milwaukee Bucks.

Cousins hasn't played since a Nov. 26 loss at Houston because of viral meningitis and the Kings are 2-8 without him. Cousins, who is questionable tonight, is posting an average of 23.5 points and 12.6 rebounds, and has recorded a double-double in each of his last eight games played.

The talented big man has participated in full team practices and Sacramento could use his services. The Kings have lost four in a row and nine of their last 11 games, including Tuesday's 104-92 setback to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the debut of interim head coach Tyrone Corbin. Corbin took over for Mike Malone, who was fired earlier this week.

"I learned a lot from (Malone). I'm very thankful to play for coach Malone," Cousins said of the coaching change. "At the end of the day, we know this is a business. Everything doesn't always work out the way we want them to. He's a great coach and I wish him nothing but the best."

Rudy Gay shook off an Achilles issue with 22 points and has scored 20 or more points in eight of his last 10 games. Carl Landry recorded 14 points off the bench and Ramon Sessions scored 11 points for the Kings, whose 19 turnovers led to 26 Thunder points.

The Kings are 0-3 on the homestand and in the midst of playing 10 of 11 games in California's capital. They are 6-8 as the host. Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers will visit Sacramento on Sunday.

Milwaukee had won two in a row and three of five games until Wednesday's 104-97 setback to the Portland Trail Blazers. Already without rookie Jabari Parker (torn ACL), Brandon Knight led the Bucks with 24 points and Khris Middleton ended with 17 off the bench.

O.J. Mayo scored 12 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo posted 10 for Milwaukee, which shot 48.1 percent and was outscored, 36-27, in the fourth quarter. Antetokounmpo suffered an ankle injury and is doubtful Thursday.

"It's tough to see those guys go down, but we still have to come together as a team and try to play as hard as we can with the guys we got left," said Middleton, who hit the game-winning shot Monday at Phoenix.

The Bucks are 1-1 on their western jaunt and will close the trip Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers. They have a 6-9 road mark this season.

Milwaukee and Sacramento will play the first of two meetings this season and will square off again Feb. 11 in Brew City. The Bucks lost both games against the Kings last season.