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With a win, the Milwaukee Bucks would claim the second seed in the Eastern Conference as they control their own destiny as the regular season finally comes to an end. The only thing standing in their way? The severely undermanned Houston Rockets!
Where We’re At
It was not pretty by any means, but the Bucks squeaked out a home victory against the Washington Wizards, 135-134 on Wednesday night.
Jrue Holiday poured in a team-high 29 points while also chipping in five rebounds, and six assists. Giannis Antetokounmpo took a backseat and scored only 23/9/8 in 30 minutes while also picking up a technical foul. Pat Connaughton and Bryn Forbes came off the bench and hit clutch jumpers to help propel the Bucks to victory...they scored 16 apiece. Donte DiVincenzo also enjoyed a good shooting game (finally) by knocking down 6-of-8 shots for 19 points.
Khris Middleton sat out last game, and with practically every member of the Houston Rockets questionable or out tonight, it will be interesting to see if Khris slots back in and one of Giannis or Jrue sits out. As of now, the only key Buck on the injury report is PJ Tucker, who is probable with neck soreness.
As for the Rockets, they are coming off a 115-135 home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Kelly Olynyk dropped 27/11/8/3 and has played very well since being traded away from the Miami Heat. Kenyon Martin Jr. added 23 and both Armoni Brooks and Anthony Lamb combined to score 42 off the bench, Houston played only seven players (!!!!!) in the loss.
#Rockets Injury/Status Report:
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) May 6, 2021
DaQuan Jeffries, KJ Martin, Anthony Lamb and Armoni Brooks are the only players not with an injury designation.
Yes, 13 Houston players are QUESTIONABLE, DOUBTFUL, or OUT against Milwaukee on Friday.
Player To Watch
Kelly Olynyk! Like most of us, you probably despise his play style...and that’s okay! But...he can fill it up quickly and has had big games against the Bucks no matter what jersey he has on. Kevin Porter Jr. dropped a 50 burger against the Bucks last weekend, so I am sure Jrue will want his revenge tonight. That being said, with so many guys out for Houston, someone is going to have to score the basketball. Olynyk will have a neon green light offensively, I am sure.
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Poll
Game 67: Against Houston, the Bucks will...
This poll is closed
-
82%
Win big (by 10 or more points)
(120 votes) -
10%
Win close (by 9 or fewer points)
(15 votes) -
2%
Lose close (by 9 or fewer points)
(3 votes) -
4%
Lose big (by 10 or more points)
(7 votes)