Rockets vs. Bucks Pre-Game 12/10/21

The Champs Visit Houston, as Rockets Host Bucks

Championship Swagger.    Hunting Season.    Play or Tank?

Since their winning streak began, the Rockets have played with a different genre of swagger. And tonight, Houston gets the ultimate test as the defending champs, the Milwaukee Bucks pay a visit to town. After a slow start due to extensive injuries, the Bucks are starting to find their groove, and appear as legit as any contender to win it all this season, again. Contrary to the Rockets latest victory over Brooklyn, where Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge decided to rest before tip-off, tonight Milwaukee should be loaded with the players who took them all the way to the top last year. Giannis Antetokounmpo is still most dominant transition force in basketball, and Milwaukee has Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday as well to form out their “Big Three.” Bobby Portis has had a helluva season as the Bucks wait for Brook Lopez to return from an injury. And Grayson Allen just has the prototype of a typical “Rocket-Killer.” Don’t be shocked if Allen has a big night as a surprise catalyst for the Bucks. After the most emotional game of the season on Wednesday, there won’t be any outside noise distracting Houston’s opponent tonight. The Rockets need to be amped up like hunters during open season if they want to keep their improbable streak alive.

It’s hunting season in the NBA. We’re well past the quarter-mark of the season, with roughly 15 games to play before we approach the halfway mark. Both conferences are in a traffic jam. Golden State, Phoenix, and Utah have a slight gap over their peers in the West. Brooklyn and Chicago have a slight edge over their opponents out East. And after starting 1-16, Houston now finds themselves only 2.5 games out of the play-in spot. With so much parity continuing to evolve in the league, the Rockets actually have a shot, it’s a long one, but a chance nonetheless, to actually make the playoffs. Tonight’s tilt against the Champions will demonstrate which direction Houston is likely heading towards. Another improbable win, and the Rockets could be headed towards a grind to the playoffs. A loss, and Houston may very well settle back into the apathetic comfort of the tanking mindset, and be bound for the lottery once again.

The Rockets are still without Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. tonight. But, they’ve adjusted to playing without two of their top playmakers. Houston will need everyone to step up, if the Rockets are going to slow down the Greek Freak’s Bucks. Expect everyone to get playing time for Houston. Hopefully Milwaukee’s championship swagger’s contagious. Tonight begins a brutal stretch for the Rockets. It’s the first of five games in seven nights. Friday night’s showdown is also the end of Houston’s stretch of 7 out of 8 games at home. If the Rockets can pull the miracle tonight, they’ll have beaten the top three Eastern Conference teams during this winning streak… in the process adding a little more ingredients to Houston’s unique swagger.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

Jersey Colors:

Milwaukee Bucks (16-10):  White

Houston Rockets (8-16):  Navy “City Edition”

TV:  7 PM CT  –  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass