The Milwaukee Bucks (1-0) welcome the Houston Rockets (0-2) to Fiserv Forum Saturday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Rockets vs. Bucks odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Bucks opened their season up with a 90-88 win over the Philadelphia 76ers Thursday. Without their 2nd-leading scorer and on the road, Milwaukee entered that battle as 4.5-point underdogs and covered.
Milwaukee is led by two-time MVP and 6-time All-NBA F Giannis Antetokounmpo. G Jrue Holiday, who is a former All-Defensive team member, is another name to keep an eye on.
The Rockets don’t have championship expectations but are laced with young talent, including 2021 No. 2 overall pick G Jalen Green and 2022 No. 3 overall pick F Jabari Smith Jr.
The Rockets lost 129-122 as 7.5-point underdogs to the Memphis Grizzlies Friday with Green putting up 33 points. 2021 No. 16 overall pick C Alperen Şengün has been a key factor off the bench, averaging 19 points per game.
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Rockets at Bucks odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at noon ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rockets +650 (bet $100 to win $650) | Bucks -1100 (bet $1,100 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rockets +13.5 (-112) | Bucks -13.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 229.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Rockets at Bucks key injuries
Rockets
- Not yet submitted (no key injuries expected)
Bucks
- F Pat Connaughton (calf) out
- F Joe Ingles (knee) out
- G Khris Middleton (wrist) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Rockets at Bucks picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 118, Rockets 110
Moneyline
PASS.
There’s not much value in even considering the Rockets in this position, but I would prefer them with the points here.
Against the spread
BET ROCKETS +13.5 (-112).
Houston has lost to 2 playoff-caliber teams. The Atlanta Hawks and Grizzlies both have championship aspirations, much like the Bucks.
The Rockets have lost by 10 or fewer points to both teams. Houston has veterans like G Eric Gordon to provide leadership and also has rising stars like G Kevin Porter Jr.
Smith Jr. may get the call to guard Antetokounmpo, and with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, he may have some success.
Milwaukee was 15-28 ATS as a home favorite last season and aren’t 13.5 points better than Houston, especially without Middleton on the court.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 230.5 (-110).
Milwaukee was 22-21 O/U as a home favorite last season.
With the Rockets having the worst defensive rating last season and sitting 28th through 2 games this year, the Bucks, which have several sharpshooters, should find their rhythm.
The Rockets are going to want to push the pace with their young guns as well. They are 9th in pace through 2 games.
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