DISCLAIMER: ODDS AND ARTICLE UPDATED 25/03/2019, 12:25.
Eastern Conference leaders Milwaukee Bucks entertain the in-form Houston Rockets and our NBA expert Gareth Freeman offers his NBA tips ahead of this standout clash.
Milwaukee Bucks v Houston Rockets Odds
Tuesday’s meeting in Wisconsin could well be a potential NBA Finals preview as Milwaukee will take some stopping in the East. The Bucks boast an NBA-best record of 55-19 and are the 21/10 NBA betting favourites to win the Eastern Conference outright.
Admittedly, it would be a surprise to see Houston reach the Finals - given the presence of Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference- but the Rockets came close to dethroning the champions last season.
Houston took GSW to seven games in the Conference Finals and look the most likely candidate to deny them a Finals spot despite Denver Nuggets’ outstanding campaign.
The Rockets are the form team in the NBA, with 13 wins in their last 15 - the Bucks are 10-5 over the same period - and may well inflict a rare defeat on Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum.
Milwaukee Bucks v Houston Rockets Betting Tips
Houston to win @ 12/5 - BET NOW
Milwaukee have been exceptional at home, with a 30-6 record, but have eased off a little of late now their playoff spot has been secured.
The Bucks have also all-but guaranteed top seed in the East as they hold a four-game lead over Toronto Raptors with just eight games remaining - and this looks a good chance for Houston to upset the NBA odds and inflict a rare home loss on Milwaukee.
The Rockets have seven wins in their last eight on their travels, including a victory over Golden State Warriors, and with star man James Harden in sensational form, they should provide Milwaukee with a tough test on Tuesday.
Houston also have a good record against the big guns in the East of late, having won at both Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers earlier this month, and can make another statement with a win in Milwaukee.
The visitors have locked in their playoff spot but still have some work to do to secure a top-four seed and won’t ease off until that is guaranteed.
One key issue that could decide this contest is injuries. The Rockets are virtually fully-fit going into Tuesday’s showdown although Milwaukee have some huge concerns.
Talisman Giannis Antetokounmpo did feature in the win over Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday but is rated as questionable for the visit of Houston due to an ankle issue.
If there are is any doubt whatsoever regarding the ‘Greek Freak’, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer won’t risk him. Even if he does play he may be used sparingly as their postseason hopes are so reliant on the three-time All-Star.
Nikola Mirotic, Malcolm Brogdon, Pau Gasol and Dante DiVincenzo are all missing, and with Milwaukee now looking ahead to their Championship bid, the Rockets can claim a win on the road on Tuesday.
Sign up to Easyodds to use our odds comparison service for all your betting choices!
You can grab any new customer offer in our free bets section to place a wager on this game. Thank you for reading and good luck betting today!
Get all the best NBA Odds at our extensive basketball betting centre.
