The Houston Rockets (23-4) will try to lengthen their 12-game winning streak against the Milwaukee Bucks (15-12) at Toyota Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017, and will air on ATTSN Southwest.
Houston opened as an 11-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 219.5 points.
Milwaukee Bucks at Houston Rockets ATS Prediction
In the Bucks’ last outing, they were defeated by the Chicago Bulls, 115-109. Chicago won the rebounding battle. The Bulls had 14 offensive rebounds and 50 total rebounds, while the Bucks had nine and 43, respectively. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 11-for-18 shooting.
The Rockets defeated the San Antonio Spurs in their last contest, 124-109. The Rockets made 20 of their 25 free throws (80.0 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 13.7). With 28 points, eight assists and seven steals, Houston’s Chris Paul played well.
The productive offense of Houston will square off against the bottom-tier defense of Milwaukee. The Rockets currently rank second in offensive efficiency, while the Bucks are 21st in defensive efficiency. The Rockets figure to have the advantage on that end of the court. Also, the Bucks, who rank 28th in offensive rebounding percentage (18.9 percent), might struggle to get second chance points against the Rockets, who rank second in defensive rebounding percentage (81.3 percent).
Milwaukee holds records of 15-12 straight up (SU) and 11-12-3 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total low when the Bucks are involved, as 15 of their 26 games have gone over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Houston is 23-4 SU and 14-11-1 ATS. In opposition of Milwaukee, games involving the Rockets have finished under the projected point total 53.8 percent of the time.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Khris Middleton (21.2 points and 5.8 assists) has been stellar for the Bucks while Paul (23.2 points, 8.6 assists, 6.4 rebounds and 2.4 steals) has made great contributions to the Rockets.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last game, the Bucks won 127-114. The Bucks had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (23.3 vs. 14.3) and had a better turnover percentage (17.1 vs. 19.0).
Milwaukee Bucks at Houston Rockets ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Milwaukee is 6-6-1 ATS on the road with 9 overs and 4 unders.
Houston is 5-7-1 ATS at home with 7 unders and 6 overs.
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Milwaukee is 6-2 and Houston is 10-1.
In games where they score more than 100 points, the Bucks are 12-6 and the Rockets are 23-2.
Houston ranks first in three pointers attempted per game (43.6) while Milwaukee ranks 27th (24.4).
The Bucks rank second in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.4) while the Rockets rank 25th (18.4).
Milwaukee ranks first in fast break points allowed per game (6.7) while Houston ranks 19th (11.6).
The Bucks rank eighth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.1) while the Rockets rank 25th (46.6).
Houston ranks 14th in rebounds per game (44.1) while Milwaukee ranks last (38.4).
The Rockets rank 15th in second chance points per game (12.3) while the Bucks rank last (9.0).
Milwaukee ranks first in blocks allowed per game (3.4) while Houston ranks 12th (4.6).
The Bucks rank second in steals allowed per game (6.8) while the Rockets rank 10th (7.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Milwaukee is 2-2-1 ATS with 4 overs.
Houston is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Bucks have outscored opponents by an average of 3.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Milwaukee has been defeated by an average of 0.4 points.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 119.6 points per game (4.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.2 points per game (5.3 above their season average).
