The Milwaukee Bucks (16-10) travel to Toyota Center Friday to take on the Houston Rockets (8-16). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Rockets vs. Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
This win streak the Rockets are on might be one of the craziest things of the season. Houston started the season 1-16 and has now put together a seven-game winning streak, recently defeating the Brooklyn Nets.
The Rockets have done it without No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green who will again be out. They’re led by C Christian Wood and G Jae’Sean Tate. Houston is 12-11-1 against the spread (ATS).
As for the Bucks, they’re led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. After a struggling at the season’s commencement, the Bucks have won eight of their last 10. However, they’re just 11-15 ATS.
Bucks at Rockets odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:02 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Bucks -475 (bet $475 to win $100) | Rockets +340 (bet $100 to win $340)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -8.5 (-115) | Rockets +8.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Bucks at Rockets key injuries
Bucks
- PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (quadriceps) probable
- G George Hill (knee) questionable
Rockets
- G Jalen Green (hamstring) out
- G Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh) out
Bucks at Rockets odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 114, Rockets 108
Money line
PASS on the money line. I like how the Rockets are playing, but the Bucks are a different beast and should win this game. At -475, I wouldn’t bet on it though.
Against the spread
BET on the ROCKETS +8.5 (-107). This could become 9 by tip-off as well. This spread opened at 7.5 but has been boosted due to all the pro-Milwaukee money.
The Rockets have been playing fantastic basketball lately. Over their last seven games, the Rockets rank third in offensive rating. They’ve done it simply by shooting better.
On the season, they’re still one of the worst shooting teams in the league, but over this stretch, Houston ranks third in true shooting percentage. The Rockets are set to face the league’s sixth-best defense in this one.
To kick off this streak, they scored 118 on the Chicago Bulls and later on put 114 on the Nets, two teams respectively fifth and seven in defensive rating. Seven games isn’t a coincidence.
Especially at home, I’d take the ultra-hot side.
Over/Under
BET on the UNDER 226.5 (-107) as the Bucks should be able to heavily limit Houston. As noted, the Rockets have been hot behind drastically better shooting.
The Bucks have the third-best opponent’s shooting percentage, only behind the Warriors and Nets. They’re able to close out on defenders, and with their length, they should be able to stop a hot Rockets.
That said, I still think 8 points is still too much to give a surging Rockets side, but I do expect them to cool off some in this one.
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