Game Thread: Bucks vs. Rockets, MVP Candidates Clash

Milwaukee Bucks (28-11) vs. Houston Rockets (23-16), Jan. 9, 2019, 7:00 p.m. CDT

Location: Toyota Center, Houston, TX

TV: ESPN

Radio: KBME 790 AM/KEYH 850 AM (Spanish)/KNTE 101.7 FM (Spanish)/Streaming on Rockets App

Online: Rockets App

Nuggets SBNation Blog: Brew Hoop

Projected Starting Lineups

Denver: Eric Bledsoe, Malcolm Brogdon, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez

Houston: Austin Rivers, James Harden, Danuel House Jr., P.J. Tucker, Clint Capela

After taking down the West’s best on Monday the Rockets will face off against the revamped Milwaukee Bucks who have burst onto the scene with a three point barrage seemingly orchestrated by Daryl Morey moonlighting as a Wisconsin-based assistant general manager.

The Rockets lead the league with 42.8 threes attempted per game. Milwaukee comes in second at 38.9 threes attempted per game. Up from 24.8 three attempts last season.

Expect lots of long rebounds and irrelevant inside positioning as these teams hoist away.

The MVP award won’t be decided for another 40+ NBA games, but that hasn’t stopped the NBA from talking as if the award will be decided tomorrow. James Harden’s masterpiece against the Golden State Warriors elevated him above Giannis Antetokounmpo for at least the last week.

Tonight’s game will put the two face-to-face... or maybe face to shoulder blade... for the first time this season. Harden’s incredible numbers since Chris Paul’s injury have brought his averages to 33.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg and 8.7 apg. The Greek Freak is posting 26.6 pgg, 12.6 rpg and 6 apg.

Milwaukee is averaging seven more points per game than the Rockets as a team, 117.6, but it’s almost assured that whichever team splashes from downtown the most tonight will come away with a W.

Throw down your comments in the comments section, TDS.

Go Rockets!