Houston Rockets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
Where: BMO Harris Bradley Center — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
When: Monday, January 23, 2017, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Houston Rockets (-5) at Milwaukee Bucks (+5); total: 223.0 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: FSWI
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Betting on the Houston Rockets (34-13)
Point Spread: -5
Houston’s slowed down since going 5-0 to start the New Year. The Rockets have dropped four of their last seven games, but still have a relatively firm grip of the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference standings.
The offense remains as lethal as ever for the Rockets, who have collected at least 105 points or more in that losing stretch. James Harden, to no one’s surprise, continues to make his bid in the MVP race, averaging 29.1 points, 10.3 assists and 8.4 rebounds per game this month, including five triple-doubles.
In total, Harden has 13 triple-doubles, the second-most in the league this season. He was close to having one last week against the Bucks, during which the five-time All-Star posted 38 points, eight dimes and six boards to carry Houston to the 111-92 victory. Can Harden lead his team to the same outcome, this time as the visitors?
Betting on the Milwaukee Bucks (20-23)
Point Spread: +5
Milwaukee boasts its own James Harden in the form of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was recently voted as one of the Eastern Conference’s starter in the fast-approaching 2017 NBA All-Star Game.
On the season, the Greek Freak is doing pretty much everything for the Bucks, leading them in points (23.5), rebounding (8.8), assists (5.5), steals (1.8) and blocks (2.0). He also has pair of triple-doubles to his name.
However, Antetokoumpo’s group is currently in the midst of their worst losing stretch of the season after their fifth-straight setback (0-5 ATS) in Miami last Saturday.
The defense looked stagnant in that stretch, allowing more than 110 points per game. Conversely, the Rockets are conceding nearly as much of late, giving us more reason to expect a must-see, high-scoring duel between Harden and Antetokoumpo, who both finished with 32 or more points in their first meeting this season.
Writer’s Prediction
Milwaukee (+5) wins it, 109-105.
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