Milwaukee Bucks vs Houston Rockets Picks and Predictions November 18th 2024

Bucks vs Rockets November 18th 2024

At 8:00 ET, the Milwaukee Bucks (-172) will host the Houston Rockets (+145) in a non-conference matchup. The Bucks are favored by 4 points, and the over/under line is set at 221.

Houston is currently on a 5-game win streak and sits 3rd in the Western Conference. Milwaukee is 12th in the East and has a record of 4-9.

Rockets vs. Bucks Key Information

With a dominant 143-107 win over the Bulls on Sunday, the Rockets improved to 10-4 this season. Houston, favored by 4.5 points, covered the spread with ease. The game’s total of 250 points went over the line of 233.5.

A 17-0 run turned the game in Houston’s favor, as they went from trailing 64-52 to leading 69-64. They then outscored Chicago 41-26 in the 2nd quarter and 40-26 in the 3rd, entering the 4th with a 108-78 lead.

Fred VanVleet led the Rockets to a 143-107 win over the Bulls, scoring 28 points, 13 of which came in the 2nd quarter. He also added 7 assists and 7 rebounds, shooting 62.5% from the field and hitting 3 threes at a 50% clip.

Alperen Sengun contributed a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 60%, while Jalen Green added 18 points, shooting 66.7%. The Rockets shot 52.4% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 10 threes at 29.4%.

Today’s Top NBA Picks Are In! Discover expert-backed NBA basketball picks for today.

The Rockets put together a strong defensive performance on Sunday, holding the Bulls to 107 points while allowing 26 points in each of the first three quarters and 29 in the 4th. Houston’s defense limited Chicago to 33% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Rockets held the Bulls to 25% shooting, with Chicago making 14 threes. Houston also recorded 8 steals and 9 blocks in the game.

The Bucks fell to 4-9 on the season after a 115-114 road loss to the Hornets on Saturday. Milwaukee, favored by 3.5 points, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total score of 229 points exceeded the O/U line of 219.5 by 9.5 points.

Milwaukee got off to a strong start, leading 39-33 after the 1st quarter. However, Charlotte chipped away at the lead, outscoring the Bucks 26-24 in the 2nd quarter. The teams were even in the 3rd, each scoring 27 points, but the Hornets took control in the 4th, outscoring Milwaukee 29-24 to complete the comeback.

Taurean Prince led the Bucks with 23 points, knocking down 4 threes at an 80% clip in their 115-114 loss to the Hornets. Prince scored 11 of his points in the 1st quarter, while Giannis Antetokounmpo added 6 of his 22 points in the opening period. Giannis also finished with 15 rebounds and 12 assists.

Bobby Portis contributed 21 points, scoring 8 in the 3rd quarter. The Bucks hit 15 threes, shooting 41.7% from deep and 51.1% overall from the field.

Defensively, the Bucks gave up 115 points to the Hornets, who shot 44% from the field. Milwaukee allowed 33 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up in the 2nd, giving up just 26 points. The Hornets scored 27 in the 3rd and 29 in the 4th.

From beyond the arc, the Bucks held Charlotte to 35% shooting, with 15 made threes. The Hornets also went 18/21 from the free-throw line. Milwaukee finished with 6 steals and 6 blocks.

The Rockets come in as the underdog at +4, making them our top choice on the point spread. We not only expect them to cover the spread but also believe they have a strong chance of winning the game outright, especially if you’re aiming for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 221, and our model projects the Rockets and Bucks to reach a combined total of 269 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Rockets Look to Keep Momentum Rolling Against Bucks

The Houston Rockets have found their groove, and they’re hoping to carry that momentum into their road matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night. Fresh off a 143-107 rout of the Chicago Bulls, the Rockets are firing on all cylinders, extending their winning streak to five games.

Houston’s offense has been red-hot, with Alperen Sengun leading the charge. Sengun notched his second consecutive triple-double on Sunday, recording 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in just under 29 minutes. The Rockets’ balanced attack saw seven players score in double figures, with Fred VanVleet contributing 28 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

“We’re just finding our rhythm,” VanVleet said. “It’s a long season. We got off to a shaky start, but we’re finding our flow, and right now we’ve got it in a good place.”

Houston’s defense has been the catalyst for its offensive surge. The Rockets are averaging 22.4 fast-break points per game during their current winning streak, showcasing their ability to turn defense into easy transition buckets.

“It starts with defense, obviously,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “When we can get stops and turnovers and get out in transition, that’s been a calling card lately.”

Bucks Trying to Find Consistency Amid Injuries

On the other side, the Milwaukee Bucks are looking to bounce back after a narrow 115-114 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. The Bucks were without stars Khris Middleton (yet to play this season) and Damian Lillard (concussion), who missed his third straight game.

Despite the absence of key players, Giannis Antetokounmpo has kept the Bucks competitive. Over his last six games, Giannis is averaging 33.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 2.3 blocks. The team has shown flashes of potential, particularly in recent wins against the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons.

“I think the last five or six games we’ve been playing good basketball,” Antetokounmpo said. “Guys are competing, and I just love to see it.”

Giannis emphasized the importance of defense for the Bucks, especially as they navigate through injuries.

“Everybody that steps in competes,” Antetokounmpo said. “For us to win games, you have to guard. There isn’t any other way, and I think players have taken that to heart.”

Key Matchup: Sengun vs. Giannis

A critical storyline in Monday’s game will be the battle between Alperen Sengun and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sengun has been on a tear with back-to-back triple-doubles, while Giannis continues to dominate on both ends of the floor. The Rockets will need Sengun’s versatility and interior presence to counter Giannis’ relentless attacking style.

Maximize Your Betting Success with NBA Tips! View today’s best NBA Moneyline Picks.

Injury Updates:

• Rockets: All players are expected to be available.
• Bucks: Damian Lillard (concussion) is questionable. Khris Middleton remains out with no clear timetable for his return.

What to Watch For:

1. Houston’s Transition Game: Can the Rockets maintain their fast-break efficiency against a Milwaukee team known for its defensive prowess?
2. Giannis’ Supporting Cast: Without Lillard and Middleton, can the Bucks find enough scoring to keep up with Houston’s high-octane offense?
3. Battle of the Bigs: How will Sengun handle the challenge of guarding Antetokounmpo, and can he continue his recent offensive dominance?

Both teams are looking to build momentum in what has been an up-and-down start to the season. The Rockets aim to extend their winning streak, while the Bucks seek stability as they await the return of their star players.

This clash of styles—Houston’s fast-paced offense versus Milwaukee’s defensive intensity—promises to be an entertaining showdown.