Game 50: Milwaukee Bucks Vs. Houston Rockets Preview

And here were are.

The Houston Rockets have reached the 50th game of the season, well past the midpoint.

This definitely goes to show that this season has been going at lightning pace!

It feels as if it were yesterday we were watching the Rockets make their debut against the Los Angeles Lakers on the road at STAPLES Center.

But that’s not the case and it’s time to gear up for No. 50.

I tell you what — Game No. 49 was a gem to watch.

The Rockets held the Chicago Bulls to 34.8 percent shooting and to 91 total points scored, about 11 points below what they average per game.

James Harden was putting on a clinic for Jimmy Butler — I know he had a bad taste in his mouth after the Rockets’ loss to the Bulls last month.

They continued to play suffocating defense and although the Bulls did get within 10 points late in the game, the team found a way to keep them at bay.

I’m H-Town proud!

Anyway, the Rockets will be facing the 27-22 Milwaukee Bucks tonight.

Nov 29, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard

Jerryd Bayless

(19) grabs a loose ball against Houston Rockets guard

James Harden

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

The Rockets desisted the Bucks 117-103 back Nov. 29th in an effort that featured Jason Terry logging 34 minutes at the point when both Patrick Beverley and Isaiah Canaan were out because of injury. Harden was his usual self with 34 points, eight assists, six rebounds and four steals in game that the Rockets were up by as much as 18 points toward the end of the game.

They’ve been hobbling as of late because of all of the injuries but are still right in the mix of things in the Eastern Conference, which is not too tough to do despite of.

But let’s talk about what the Bucks do well.

They love to move the ball around. The Bucks are 7th in the league in assist ratio with 18.1 percent of their total possessions ending with an assist.

They can shoot it from just about anywhere as a team. The Bucks are 8th in the league in true shooting percentage at 54.6. This is factoring not only field goals but three-pointers and free throws as well.

Brandon Knight leads the team in points (17.9 PPG), assists (5.3 APG) and steals (1.80 SPG). Zaza Pachulia is the lead board-getter averaging 6.6 of them per game. John Henson is their shot-blocker averaging 1.80 per game.

Henson has put up solid numbers in Pachulia’s absence as he nurses a calf injury — he has averaged 11.8 PPG and 6.8 rebounds in the last five games.

Pachulia and forward Ersan Ilyasova (groin) are questionable for tonight’s game.

Harden is still dealing with his right knee contusion suffered against the Pistons last week but there’s no way in hell he’d not play.

The match up to keep your eye on is between Donatas Motiejunas and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Nov 29, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard

Giannis Antetokounmpo

(34) lands after hitting a basket in the fourth quarter during the game against the Houston Rockets at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

That’s a mouthful to say! It felt that way just by me typing their names in! Ha!

Both have continued to be on the rise and Antetokounmpo has averaged 7.6 RPG over the last five games and continues to be their biggest threat in the post.

But Brandon Knight is what the makes the Bucks go and Beverley will tasked to guard him tonight.

A strong defensive effort is needed out of Beverley as it has been tough to see him get burnt by some the league’s greatest talents at the point.

I’m hopeful that he does that tonight.

Harden had to sit down for spell in the 2nd half against the Bulls Wednesday to ice his knees so it will interesting to see how his minutes will look for tonight.

If the Rockets put this one away early, expect Harden to go get some well-deserved rest.

We’ll see.