Bring the Beef: Rockets, Bucks Face-Off in Battle of Contenders
Don’t Pass This Up. Seeking a Three Spot. Finals Preview?
“Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn’t have fucked with? That’s me,” a Clint Eastwood quote from Gran Torino that brings to mind tonight’s matchup. Welcome to Round 2 of the biggest beef in the NBA: James Harden vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo, in what should be a thrilling matchup when the Rockets meet the Bucks on Saturday night. In case you’re wondering why these two MVP-candidates dislike each other, look back to February. It was during the All-Star break, when Giannis said he passed on picking Harden for his team, because he wanted someone “who would pass.” After the game, The Greek Freak said his team targeted Harden on defense when trying to score, a strategy that failed the Freak’s squad, as The Beard proved he’s a far superior defender than the ugly false narrative surrounding his repertoire. Except Harden to be locked in, and with Milwaukee missing Eric Bledsoe, the Beard could be prepped to serve up a 50-Burger tonight.
The Bucks beat the Celtics in their first bubble game, 119-112. Milwaukee will be without Pat Connaughton and Eric Bledsoe tonight. Houston is still missing Eric Gordon, who would’ve been a great matchup tonight. Hopefully, Danuel House and Ben McLemore continue their hot shooting from the perimeter. The Bucks will clog up the paint on drives from Harden and Russell Westbrook. Houston needs to knock down the open threes tonight, of which there will be aplenty. Despite currently sitting in sixth place, the Rockets are only a game and half behind Denver for the third seed out West. Tonight’s game is the perfect opportunity for Harden and co. to make a statement on national TV. Expect the announcers to be Bucks-obsessed, with a mention here or there about the Rockets, but Houston looks to wake up these “analysts” and other doubters with a victory tonight.
Saturday night’s tilt could potentially be a preview of the NBA Finals. In the East, Milwaukee is heavily favored. The Rockets have to get through the Los Angeles Firestorm out West, but with Harden and Westbrook playing at the top of their respective games, Houston has just as great a shot as the Bucks or L.A. teams to lay claim to the throne. If the Rockets can get past the Los Angeles mountain in the playoffs, there’s a good chance the Bucks will be waiting for them in the Finals. In Houston’s first bubble game, Harden and Westbrook combined for 80 points. Don’t expect the Beard or Brodie to slow down tonight, despite the tougher competition. The Rockets will have their hands full with The Greek Freak. Giannis still hasn’t proven to display a consistent shooting game, needing to drive to the rim to score or generate plays. Houston needs to form a wall any time Giannis drives, forcing the “others” on Milwaukee to take shots. As for Harden, he’s been waiting for a shot at the Freak for a long time. I can’t tell you exactly what he has in store for the audience, but I do know… there’s just some people you don’t fuck with. And you’re not going to want to miss tonight’s action. Let the beef sizzle…
The Bubble: Orlando, Florida
Jersey Colors:
Milwaukee Bucks (54-12): Green
Houston Rockets (41-24): Red
TV: 7:30 PM CT – ABC, AT&T Sportsnet SW