Game 17: Houston Rockets Vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview

The injury-plagued Houston Rockets did the best they could but they proved to be no match for the Los Angeles Clippers last night.

They really did hang in there and did briefly take a eight-point lead early in but it will be a uphill battle the rest of the way to keep up.

The Rockets did get within five points of the Clip show toward the mid-point of the third quarter but the team fell quickly behind as their offensive firepower prevailed.

Even worse, the Rockets didn’t need to hear about the loss of Isaiah Canaan for likely a couple of games after spraining his ankle just shortly before the end of the 1st half of last night’s game.

Anyway, I’m just glad that the nightmare of that beat down is all over and the Rockets can reboot, hit the road to Brew City and prepare for their next opponent — the Milwaukee Bucks.

The new and improved Milwaukee Bucks, I might add.

Nov 22, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach

Jason Kidd

talks with guard

Brandon Knight

(11) during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Washington won 111-100. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

This team is off to one of their best starts in many seasons and this amazing run is being lead by Jason Kidd, who was named their head coach in the off season after bolting from the Brooklyn Nets.

He was traded for two future second-round picks by the way…

Kidd seemed to be seeking an environment to where he’d have more control in the basketball operations of the team and it’s not surprising that the Bucks would be his next stop.

Longtime owner Herb Kohl sold the franchise to two hedge-fund billionaires — they seem to have a different level of thinking than the status quo.

They’re looking for anybody that could come in and reverse their almost never-ending descent toward the bottom of the NBA rankings.

That’s not so now — these Bucks are balling now and have a 10-7 record to boot.

To contrast, last year’s 15-67 Bucks didn’t get their 10th win until Feb. 18.

It’s amazing how one season can make a difference.

Feb 8, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Houston Rockets guard

James Harden

(13) takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks forward

Khris Middleton

(22) in the 2nd quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

This will be a challenging match up for the Rockets with all of their guys they have out currently.

The Rockets will be looking for a point guard with Patrick Beverley and Canaan out with injury. They didn’t even make the trip.

Dwight Howard did make the trip but is listed as doubtful for tonight.

I suspect that Kevin McHale utilize a combination of lineups he’ll mix-and-match with depending on match ups.

Jason Terry will likely get the nod to start but will rotate with Francisco Garcia, Troy Daniels and Nick Johnson at the point.

Terry has a lot of miles on his frame — he can’t play the long minutes like he used to or else he will be headed to the injury list as well.

Nov 26, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward

Jabari Parker

(12) dunks the ball during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

It will certainly be interesting to see what McHale does as far as rotations. Keep your eye on that.

We will also get a glimpse of Jabari Parker, the 2nd pick of this past NBA Draft out of Duke and he has been quite impressive as of late. He has been averaging 11.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 29.5 minutes of action so far this season.

He’s a vital cog to their engine and he’ll likely be matched up with Donatas Motiejunas. This will be a match-up to watch to see if he can step his defense to contain him or possibly even stop him. Either way, keep your eyes peeled.

By the way, James Harden has been playing impressive defense as of late, he’ll have quite a task along with the other guards to defend the quickness of the Bucks back court in Brandon Knight, Khris Middleton and O.J. Mayo.

Regardless, this will actually be an entertaining game to watch with the challenges the Rockets have in front of them.

I still see them winning this narrowly.

I can’t wait!

Three Things to Watch:

1. How well quickly and effectively McHale can rotate our backup guards to the match ups

2. D-Mo vs. Jabari Parker

3. How well the Rockets can defend the quickness of the Bucks’ backcourt

Prediction:

97-92 in a Rockets’ WIN!

The Rockets have hit the road to take on the Bucks in Brew City at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. CST.

The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on 790 AM (KBME).

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