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Something interesting: the Rockets would have to go 12-20 over their last 32 games in order to match last season's record.
The Bucks are still looking for that 10th win. Meanwhile, the Rockets will try to climb to a .667 winning percentage for the first time since early December. And they are looking for their second five-game winning streak.
And on to the matchups!
Tip off is at 7:30pm CST.
Matchups:
Point Guard: Patrick Beverley vs. Brandon Knight
Knight may be mostly remembered for getting dunked on by DeAndre Jordan, but he's a good player in his own right that shouldn't be underrated. Over his last five games, he's averaging 20/7/3. His three point shooting is a respectable 34%. He's in his third year, and I'm interested to see where his future leads.
On the other side, Patrick Beverley will have to hound him tonight.
Advantage: Bucks
Shooting Guard: James Harden vs. Nate Wolters
Wolters isn't going to light the world on fire with his shooting, but he's a good caretaker and doesn't make many mistakes.
Harden will make plenty of mistakes, but should light the world on fire tonight.
Advantage: Rockets
Small Forward: Chandler Parsons vs. Khris Middleton
As much as I hate to compliment a player from Texas A&M, I'll say this: Middleton has been a pleasant surprise for the Bucks, shooting 43% from three and went 25/6/3 against the Nuggets on Wednesday.
Advantage: Rockets
Power Forward: Terrence Jones vs. Ersan Ilyasova
Ilyasova is shooting 29% from three this season. Some of that is a bad team, and some is just poor shooting.
Remember when Rockets fans would have traded almost anyone for Ilyasova? You know who you are.
Advantage: Rockets
Center: Dwight Howard vs. Larry Sanders
In his last 5 games, Sanders is averaging a double-double. And against the Nuggets on Wednesday, he went off for 25/15.
He still averages a bunch of fouls per game, so the Rockets should keep feeding Howard. After all, it's been a winning strategy so far.
Advantage: Rockets
Bench
Rockets: Jeremy Lin, Omri Casspi, Greg Smith (maybe), Donatas Motiejunas
Bucks: John Henson, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zaza Pachulia, Luke Ridnour
Advantage: Even
Prediction: Rockets win 108-101.
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