Houston Rockets at Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
It is a matchup of West versus East on Wednesday as the Houston Rockets (10-21) square off with the Milwaukee Bucks (19-13). The Bucks will host this one at Fiserv Forum, with tipoff scheduled for 8:00 pm ET.
The Rockets come into this one having lost three of their last four, including a 133-118 loss to the Bulls on Monday. In the loss, Christian Wood had a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Amoni Brooks and Kenyon Martin Jr. had 15 apiece.
Like Houston, the Bucks have also lost three of their last four. On Saturday, they were defeated at home by the Cleveland Cavaliers, 119-90. Jordan Nwora led the team in scoring Saturday as he went for 28 points and 11 boards. Sandro Mamukelashvili had the second-most points for Milwaukee with 17.
The Bucks are the favorites playing at home. They are -480 to win while the Rockets’ moneyline sits at +370. The spread features Houston +10 (-112).
More Odds
The Bucks currently have the second-best odds of winning the Eastern Conference at +300. The Rockets are tied for the worst odds to win the West, with the Thunder at +49000.
In terms of winning the NBA Championship, the Bucks have the third-best odds of winning it all at +700. The Rockets once again are tied for the worst odds of winning the NBA Finals at +50000.
By The Numbers
Milwaukee has had the better offense between the two thus far. They rank ninth in the NBA, averaging 110 points per game. The Rockets rank 18th averaging 106.8 points.
Defensively, it is again Milwaukee with the advantage. They rank 14th in scoring defense allowing opponents an average of 107.3 points per game (104.8 at home). The Rockets rank 28th, allowing 113.5 points.
Houston Looks To Pick Up Major Upset On The Road
At 5-5 in their last ten games, the Rockets have played a bit better as of late; however, they still have to improve on the road. Thus far, they are just 3-14 outside of Houston. They will look to add another win to that total and pull off the upset versus the Bucks.
Unfortunately, the Rockets may be without two of their better players Wednesday. Christian Wood (knee) and Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh) are both questionable for this game.
This season, Wood has averaged 16.9 points, 11 rebounds, and a block. Porter has gone for 12.8 points and 5.8 assists per game.
Without these two, the Rockets may lean on Eric Gordon and Jalen Green. Gordon is averaging 14.7 points and 3.3 assists.
Upgraded to probable Wednesday from a leg injury, Green is averaging 14 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in 18 games this season.
Bucks Trying To Overcome Absences
Due to COVID-19, the Bucks team has been crippled as of late, partially explaining why they have been in a slump lately. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis are all out Wednesday.
Khris Middleton (knee) is questionable for this game, and both Wesley Matthews and Rodney Hood are probable. Needless to say, there are a lot of moving parts that will leave the Bucks shorthanded.
Of the regulars, only Jrue Holiday (17.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.4 steals), Grayson Allen (13.1 points, 3.6 rebounds), and Pat Connaughton (12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds) seem to be guaranteed to play.
Take Bucks To Win, But Can They Cover?
Even shorthanded, the Bucks have the superior team over the Rockets. Still, without Antetokounmpo, Portis, and potentially Middleton, this one could be closer than expected.
Keep an eye on the active and inactive list. If Wood plays, the Rockets could be in a position to cover the 10-point spread. If not, the best bet may still be on the Bucks to win and cover at home, where they are 10-5 this season.
