Milwaukee Bucks vs Houston Rockets Pick and Odds (Feb 25)

• The Bucks sit at 32-24 and are 5th in the Eastern Conference
• The Rockets are 35-22, safe in the top 5 in the Western Conference
• Milwaukee has won 3 straight since the All-Star break and 4 straight overall

The Rockets host the Bucks in a battle between two NBA teams in mid-playoff position in their respective conferences. Both, however, can rise higher from their current spot and will be dangerous in the playoffs. The teams met on Nov. 18 with Milwaukee squeaking by 101-100. What do we think will happen in the teams’ second matchup of the season?

The Bucks Have Started Hot After the Break

The Bucks have come out of the All-Star break scorching hot winning three straight. They defeated Miami 120-113 in their previous outing. They came from behind, outscoring Miami 35-20 in the fourth quarter.

Damian Lillard led the way with 28 points and added 8 assists. It was important to get Lillard back on the court after he dealt with a strained hamstring and missed the prior game. Giannis Antetokounmpo added 23 points and 16 rebounds. Gary Trent Jr. was 3 of 5 from 3-point range.

The Bucks are breathing down the Pacers’ necks for the fourth seed in the conference. They will be without forward Bobby Portis due to a 25-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy.

The Rockets Look To Rise in the Standings

Although the Rockets are fifth in the West, they could rise as high as the second seed if they get hot. They are 1-1 since the break beating Minnesota at home 121-115 and losing to Utah on the road 124-115.

In the loss, Alperen Șengün scored 27 points, had 12 rebounds, and 7 assists. The 2024-25 All-Star is averaging over 10 rebounds per game. Jalen Green poured in 25 and had 10 assists. Amen Thompson added 22 points and 9 boards in the losing effort.

Utah outscored Houston by 12 in the fourth quarter to pull away and take the 9-point victory. Houston is solid defensively allowing opponents to score an average of 109 PPG.

Bucks vs Rockets Pick: Expect a Close Game

The Bucks need to account for losing Portis. In Houston, they must mitigate Șengün to have a chance to win. A big game from Antetokounmpo is key. This will be a closely pitched battle with the Bucks covering the 4-point spread.