Houston Rockets vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 06/01/2024, 06:45  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Milwaukee Bucks will visit the Toyota Center to take on the Houston Rockets in the NBA on Saturday night. The hosts are 17-16 and ninth in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 25-10 and second in teh Eastern Conference. 

The Milwaukee Bucks have been in decent form, splitting their last six games overall. They aim to build momentum here after securing a 125-121 road win against the slumping Spurs on Thursday. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with an impressive performance, contributing 44 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists on 19 of 28 shooting, while Damian Lillard added 25 points with 10 assists. The Bucks currently rank as the second-highest-scoring team in the NBA, averaging 124.8 points per game. This is 14.9 points more than the Rockets allow (109.9). However, defensively, the Bucks have struggled, conceding an average of 119.7 points per game, placing them 24th in the NBA. In the 2023-24 season, the Bucks' offense has been slightly more potent at home, scoring 125.1 points per game compared to 124.4 on the road. Defensively, they have been tougher in home games, surrendering 118.9 points per game compared to 120.8 on the road. Khris Middleton and Jae Crowder are listed as doubtful for this match.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have been struggling recently, losing seven of their last 11 games. They will be aiming for a better performance here after a tough 122-95 loss to the Timberwolves last night. Jalen Green led the team with 20 points, and Alperen Sengun added 19 points. Houston currently ranks as the NBA's 23rd-best offense, averaging 112.5 points per game, while Milwaukee is the 24th-ranked defense, allowing 119.7 points per game. However, the Rockets' strength this season has been in defense, where they are giving up just 109.9 points per contest, ranking second in the league. They also excel in rebounding, sitting sixth in the league with 44.9 rebounds per game, 1.1 more than their opponents average. The Rockets score more points at home (113.8 per game) than on the road (110.5). In their previous matchup last month, they were beaten 128-119 by Milwaukee on the road. Victor Oladipo, Dillon Brooks, and Tari Eason are doubtful for this one.