Rockets Aim to Bounce Back Against Bucks as Key Players Return
The Houston Rockets are gearing up for a big afternoon clash against the Milwaukee Bucks, and the timing couldn’t be better — the team’s injury report is finally starting to clear up. After a brief stumble against the San Antonio Spurs in NBA Cup play, Houston is looking to get back on track and recapture the rhythm that fueled its impressive five-game winning streak earlier in the season.
Just a few days ago, the Rockets were one of the hottest teams in the league. Their combination of sharp shooting, balanced offense, and solid defensive work had them sitting comfortably in the upper half of the Western Conference standings. But Friday’s 121-110 loss to Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs was a reminder of how quickly things can shift in the NBA. Still, sitting at 5-3 and ranked fifth in the West, Houston has plenty to feel confident about heading into this matchup with the 6-3 Bucks, who are riding similar momentum in the East.
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The biggest boost for Houston comes from its improving health situation. While guards Fred VanVleet and Dorian Finney-Smith remain sidelined — VanVleet with a season-ending ACL tear and Finney-Smith still recovering from ankle surgery — the rest of the roster appears ready to go. The absences of those two veterans have forced Houston to rely heavily on its young core, and that experience might pay off as the season progresses.
Steven Adams and Jabari Smith Jr., who were both dealing with minor knocks recently, are expected to suit up today. Their presence will be crucial against Milwaukee’s powerful frontcourt, led by none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks have one of the most dominant inside combinations in the league, and the addition of Myles Turner in the offseason has made them even tougher to handle in the paint.
For Milwaukee, the biggest question mark is Giannis himself. He’s listed as probable with a left knee issue, but given his competitive nature, it would be no surprise to see him on the court. The Bucks will, however, be without scoring guard Kevin Porter Jr. and veteran Taurean Prince, both nursing injuries of their own.
Tip-off is set for 2:30 p.m. local time, and both teams are expected to bring plenty of energy. For the Rockets, it’s not just about grabbing another win — it’s about proving that their early-season form wasn’t a fluke. With their lineup stabilizing and confidence still high, Houston will look to take full advantage of this matchup and make a statement against one of the league’s top contenders.
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