The Milwaukee Bucks invade the Toyota Center to take on the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Here’s a Rockets vs. Bucks Prediction. This article will include a Rockets vs. Bucks Pick.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks have been in a terrible slump as they’ve lost 14 of their last 18 games overall, but they found a bit of relief with a 123-99 win over the Mavericks last night. Ryan Rollins led the team with 24 points, seven rebounds and nine assists; Kyle Kuzma added 20 points with six rebounds and three assists, while AJ Green chipped in with 17 points off the bench. As a team, the Bucks shot 45 percent from the field and 20 of 45 from the 3-point line as they stormed out of the gates with 38 points in the first quarter to jump out in front but the key to this win was actually their defense as they kept the Mavericks to just 35 percent shooting for the game to set up the much-needed blowout win at home.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets are starting to heat up again as they’ve won five of their last seven games overall and they will be gunning for a fourth straight victory after routing the Knicks in a 111-94 home win last night. Kevin Durant led the team with 27 points, six rebounds and eight assists on 10 of 18 shooting; Reed Sheppard added 20 points on eight of 12 shooting off the bench while Tari Eason and Amen Thompson each scored 17 points. As a team, the Rockets shot 54 percent from the field and 15 of 35 from the 3-point line as they caught fire early and poured in 37 points in the first quarter to take a double-digit lead into halftime and they just kept their foot on the gas pedal until the lead swelled to 21 points to win comfortably in the end.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Bucks have lost nine of their last 10 games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Rockets have won 26 of their last 29 home games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight road games on the second leg of a back-to-back against Western Conference opponents.
- The home team has covered the spread in nine of the Bucks’ last 11 games.
Why the Milwaukee Bucks will win
- The Rockets have lost each of their last six home games against Eastern Conference opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Bucks have won each of their last six games against Southwest Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games against Central Division opponents that held a losing record.
- The Bucks have covered the spread in each of their last four road games with both teams on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Rockets’ last five games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Bucks’ last four games as underdogs following a home win has gone OVER the total points line.
Houston Rockets Player Facts
- Alperen Sengun ranks 3rd in the league for points in the paint (922) this season.
- Amen Thompson ranks 4th in the league for points in the paint (902) this season.
Milwaukee Bucks Player Facts
- Myles Turner is one of only three qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.5 threes and 1.5 blocks this season.
- Ryan Rollins ranks 6th in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.5) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for rebounds per game this season (48.1).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (15.1).
- The Bucks rank 30th in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (8.7).
- The Bucks rank 30th in the league for free throw percentage this season (73.2%).
Rockets vs Bucks Prediction
The Bucks have ruled out Gary Harris, Bobby Portis, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Porter Jr. again, while the Rockets are still without Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams. The Bucks head into this contest fresh off a dominant win over the Mavericks, but I’m not going to get too excited, as they were ice-cold before that game and I just don’t think they can trouble the Rockets, who have been on a roll lately. The line is certainly hefty, so while I am tempted to take the Bucks to get the backdoor cover, I think the more likely outcome is that the Rockets start hot and cruise their way to a comfortable win and cover at home.