In the start of Houston’s season-long homestand of seven games, two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Milwaukee Bucks into Toyota Center to face the Rockets on Sunday night.
On paper, it’s a matchup between a veteran-laden title contender and a rebuilding group. However, it should be noted that the Rockets have been quite competitive at home this season, with a 4-5 overall record and three consecutive wins inside their friendly confines.
Houston has won four of its last eight, and arguably the biggest reason is progression by rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr., who is averaging 15.0 points on 49.0% shooting from 3-point range over those games. Unfortunately, Smith’s surge has largely come at the same time as a downturn by second-year guard Jalen Green, who is shooting 35.1% overall and 16.7% on 3-pointers over his last six games.
Can the Rockets finally get both of their talented young prospects — drafted at No. 3 and No. 2 overall in the 2022 and 2021 first rounds, respectively — going at the same time? That’s what they’re hoping to see on this upcoming homestand, starting with Sunday’s game.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 11
- Time: 6:00 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (7-18)
- Guard: Kevin Porter Jr.
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Eric Gordon
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Milwaukee Bucks (19-6)
- Guard: Jrue Holiday
- Guard: Grayson Allen
- Forward: Khris Middleton
- Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Center: Brook Lopez
Projected lineups are based on each team’s latest game.
Injury reports
Houston’s injury report lists Jae’Sean Tate (sore right ankle) as out, while Milwaukee will be without Joe Ingles (left knee ACL surgery) and Wesley Matthews (health and safety protocols).
