Bucks look for fifth straight win in crowded East playoff picture
The Milwaukee Bucks are off to a very promising start to the ceremonial second half of the NBA season as they carry a four-game winning streak south to face the Houston Rockets. With wins over three playoff teams (of varying levels of quality, it’s true) and no banana peel slip against a bottom feeder, the rotation looks to be gelling with its new pieces. A road test against a recently slumping Rockets team is just the kind of measuring stick you hope to see at this point in the schedule.
Where We’re At
It took them a little bit of time to get going—that’s what we in the business call a 14-point deficit after a quarter—but the Bucks were eventually able to prevail against the Miami Heat last Sunday, 116-111. Giannis Antetokounmpo had his best performance since returning from a couple week layoff, notching 23 points (on 11-18 shooting), 16 rebounds, and seven assists while encouragingly looking his most physically spry since the All-Star Break. As far as possible playoff rotation pieces go, Kevin Porter Jr. continued his promising run leading units off the bench. Eleven points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals may not look like a ton on their own, but he scored or assisted on 12 straight Milwaukee points with the game’s fate still in the balance. That’s four straight games of double-digit scoring on not-deleterious volume. Did GM Jon Horst find his bench spark plug?
Meanwhile, Houston spent the early part of the season paying off elevated expectations in coach Ime Udoka’s second year at the helm. Having jumped out to a 15-6 start on the back of a stellar defense, they’ve gradually slowed down and have gone just 3-7 over their last 10. Their latest effort was a 115-124 loss to the Utah Jazz last Saturday. Being out-rebounded 58-41 is quite the feat (although the Jazz don’t lack for giants, and the Rockets were down Tari Eason and Steven Adams). That they still somehow took two more shots than the Jazz is also quite the feat. Is this bumpy patch the result of a frenetic defensive system wearing its players down? Youth showing its experience? Either way, it’s a nice chance for the Bucks to add to the misery.
Of note: these two teams met back in November in a 101-100 Bucks victory. A Damian Lillard layup with three seconds left sealed the deal to shine a ray of hope on what was a murky start to the Bucks season.
Injury Report
The Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo (left calf strain) and Gary Trent Jr. (right knee contusion) listed as probable, while Pat Connaughton (left calf strain) and Bobby Portis (suspension) are out. Houston lists Dillon Brooks (illness), Fred VanVleet (right ankle strain), and Jae’Sean Tate (back spasms) as questionable.
Player To Watch
Amen Thompson has been the darling of NBA watchers’ eye this season, and for good reason. At 6’7” and with athleticism in spades, he’s become a disruptive defensive force and a serious threat, cutting and finishing at the rim. His near non-existent three-point shot will keep a slight cap on just how dangerous he can become offensively, but he’s young enough to develop a few more skills to round out his game. I think guarding him will be a really good test for Kyle Kuzma and something to keep an eye on.
How To Watch
FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 7:00 p.m. CST.
Playback Streaming
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