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Rockets at Bucks: Wednesday’s lineups, injury reports, broadcast info and stream

Ben DuBose
·2 min read

When the Rockets last faced the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 10, they entered on a seven-game winning streak and were, improbably, the NBA’s hottest team. But since losing at home that night to the defending champions, Houston has slipped back toward its expected rebuilding path, with only two wins over the team’s latest seven-game stretch.

In that earlier meeting, Giannis Antetokounmpo took over with 41 points and 17 rebounds while making 15-of-19 shots (78.9%) overall. This time, though, the two-time league MVP isn’t expected to be available due to a stint in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. On paper, that could be an opening for Christian Wood and the Rockets to make amends.

Wednesday is the start of a quirky scheduling stretch for the Rockets, whose next six games through Jan. 1 are all part of back-to-backs. But that might not be as difficult as it would have been earlier in the season, since veteran guard Eric Gordon is now cleared to play in both parts.

When and How to Watch

  • Date: Wednesday, Dec. 22

  • Time: 7 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 (10-21)

Milwaukee Bucks (19-13)

Projected lineups are from each team’s official game notes. The lone exception is Middleton, who is not yet listed but is reportedly set to return after missing time over the past week due to a hyperextended left knee. If he does, the two-time All-Star is almost certain to start.

Injury reports

The Rockets remain without injured guards Jalen Green (left hamstring strain) and Kevin Porter Jr. (left thigh contusion), though Green looks set to return on Thursday in Indiana. They are hopeful of Porter returning shortly thereafter, perhaps on Monday, Dec. 27 in Charlotte. Wood is listed as questionable with left knee tendinitis, but he played through the same designation last weekend in Detroit.

The Bucks have been ravaged of late by a COVID-19 outbreak within the roster. At the moment, players listed as out due to health and safety protocols include Antetokounmpo, Donte DiVincenzo, and Bobby Portis. Meanwhile, Brook Lopez remains out due to back surgery.

Thus, while Milwaukee is at home and is clearly the superior team when healthy, that does not reflect who they have available Wednesday.

This post originally appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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