The Houston Rockets (5-3) and Milwaukee Bucks (6-3) meet Sunday afternoon at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Tip is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Rockets vs. Bucks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Tied 1-1
Houston had its 5-game winning streak snapped with a 121-110 loss to the San Antonio Spurs Friday, failing to cover as a 4-point road favorite as the Over (225) hit. C Alperen Sengun led the way with 25 points on 10-for-22 shooting. The Rockets are 5-3 against the spread (ATS).
The Bucks beat the Chicago Bulls 126-110 Friday, covering as a 4.5-point home favorite as the Under (240) cashed. F Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is looking every bit of an MVP candidate so far this season, tallied 41 points on 16-for-32 shooting with 15 rebounds and 9 assists. Milwaukee has traded off winning and losing over its last 5 performances and is 6-3 ATS.
Rockets at Bucks odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:13 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Rockets -170 (bet $170 to win $100) | Bucks +140 (bet $100 to win $140)Against the spread (ATS): Rockets -3.5 (-115) | Bucks +3.5 (-105)Over/Under (O/U): 232.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)Rockets at Bucks key injuries
Rockets
F Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) outG Fred VanVleet (knee) out
Bucks
F Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) probableG Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Rockets at Bucks picks and predictionsPrediction
Bucks 119, Rockets 114
BET BUCKS (+140).
The Bucks have been on a tear at home, winning 4 of their 5 games at Fiserv Forum. All 4 of those wins have come by double figures as well. Milwaukee is 3-2 straight up as an underdog.
The Rockets are 3-2 on the road, but have struggled to put it on teams. They have scored just 110 points in 2 of their last 3 games. Their strong defense will be in for a test against the eighth-ranked Bucks offense.
Given how well Milwaukee has played at home, take the BUCKS (+140) to come out on top. Of course, that assumes Giannis suits up.
PASS.
There’s some value on the Bucks’ spread if you feel you need a little insurance, but the preferred route for a team-specific wager is the play above.
BET OVER 232.5 (-105).
Both teams have an efficient offense. The Rockets sit second in offensive rating (121.1) and Bucks eighth (117.1). Both the Rockets and Bucks rank among the top 7 in true shooting percentage as well, so each has consistent playmakers on their respective roster.
While the Rockets won’t push the tempo, the Bucks will and rank 10th in pace. Houston is 6-2 O/U while the Bucks are 5-4 O/U. Considering those trends, take OVER 232.5 (-105).
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