Rockets Travel to Milwaukee to Face Giannis’ Bucks
Part 2. Beasts of the East. Night and Day.
It’s the second half of a back-to-back for Houston tonight as the Rockets head to Milwaukee to battle the Bucks. Milwaukee is coming off a close road victory over Philadelphia, 90-88, on Thursday night in their season opener. Tonight is the Bucks’ home opener, making tasks more difficult for Houston. It’s always tough to beat a contender on opening night at home. The Rockets will still be without Jae’Sean Tate, Tyty Washington, Daishen Nix, and now Eric Gordon is also out for tonight’s matchup.
Jalen Green will need to continue to evolve into a superstar in front our eyes if Houston wants any chance to pull the major upset tonight. The Rockets will need more from Kevin Porter Jr., and the rest of the squad as well without EG in the lineup. Hopefully, Jabari Smith Jr. plays like he did in the second half in Atlanta, which has been his only solid half all season so far.
Despite the 0-2 record, Houston’s hustle and work-ethic is night-and-day different from last season. This team is playing so hard, and looks like they refuse to be blown out. They’re staying in games, even if they have a deficit, this young Rockets squad has already shown growth since last season. Snagging a victory will be tough tonight against the best team the Rockets have faced so far in the Bucks, as they play their first home game of this young season. Undermanned, and on tired legs, Houston needs contributions from the entire squad if they want to shock Milwaukee tonight. The Celtics may have won the East last year, but healthy, the Bucks are the beasts of the east, and the likely favorite to return to the Finals, after they won it all two seasons ago.
Expect to see more Josh Christopher and Garrison Mathews tonight in Gordon’s absence. Their minutes have been sparse to begin this season compared to last year. Hopefully they’ll be ready to battle with their teammates as the Rockets head north for their toughest contest yet in this early portion NBA season.
Fiserv Forum: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (0-2): White
Milwaukee Bucks (1-0): Green
Tip-Off: 7 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass