Rockets vs. Bucks Prediction, Picks for Sunday, Dec. 17
Here's everything you need to know about Rockets vs. Bucks on Sunday, Dec. 17 — our expert prediction and betting pick for today.
The Rockets will travel to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks on Sunday night. This game will be a good test for this young Rockets team as they attempt to measure how they really stack up against the best teams in the NBA.
Can the Rockets pass their test, or will the Bucks defend their homecourt?
Let's get to our Rockets vs. Bucks prediction and pick.
Rockets vs. Bucks Prediction
Pick: Over 230
Can the Rockets Backcourt Step Up?
The Rockets rank 15th in Adjusted Net Rating despite playing the seventh-toughest schedule of opponents and have been particularly effective defensively, where they rank fifth in Adjusted Defensive Rating. However, I expect the Rockets defense to struggle a bit here given matchup issues.
The Rocket offense has struggled to begin the season as they rank just 23rd in Adjusted Offensive Rating. They may continue to struggle here as Alperen Sengun draws a tough matchup in Brook Lopez on defense. Sengun normally has a strength advantage in the post, but that will not be present against Lopez.
The Rockets will need Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green to create and score in this matchup if they want to compete with this Bucks team.
Bucks Offense Has an Edge
The Bucks rank sixth in Adjusted Net Rating and have been particularly dominant on the offensive end as they rank seventh in Adjusted Offensive Rating.
They’ll continue their offensive success here as the Rockets do not match up particularly well with Giannis Antetokounmpo or Damian Lillard. Dillon Brooks is an elite wing defender but definitely does not have the size to hang with Antetokounmpo or the speed to hang with Lillard. The Rockets should consistently be in defensive rotations as they are forced to double and help whoever guards Antetokounmpo.
Rockets vs Bucks Picks, Odds
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+7.5 -110 | 230 -110/-110 | +235 |
| Bucks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-7.5 -110 | 230 -110/-110 | -290 |
I like Over 230 here as I expect the Bucks to dictate the pace of this game. The Bucks rank third in Pace on the year and should push the ball off misses against the Rockets.
Although Sengun has a tough matchup, the Rockets' guards can get to their spots against a weaker Bucks perimeter defense and contribute to this fairly low total.
Finally, this Rockets offense may be a bit undervalued after playing the fifth-toughest schedule of opposing defenses thus far, according to dunksandthrees.com.
