Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview: Jan. 18 at Houston Rockets

Feb 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) drives for the basket against Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) and guard James Harden (13) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Parker scored 36 points as the Bucks beat the Rockets 128-121. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) drives for the basket against Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) and guard James Harden (13) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Parker scored 36 points as the Bucks beat the Rockets 128-121. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 6, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 117 to 111. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 117 to 111. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Finale

The Bucks will not have an easy time on Wednesday night. James Harden is playing like he wants people to know he means it when he calls himself the best player in the NBA. He may be a defensive improvement away from that level, but he’s getting damn close.

The toughest part about playing Harden is there’s not really a way to stop him. Sending help or leaving a member of the Rockets open for any reason is a great way to watch him pile up tons of assists. There are seven Rockets shooting at least 33 percent from beyond the arc, and five shooting at least four threes per game.

The Bucks will need to be on their toes defensively. There’s not much chance that Milwaukee will survive a shootout, so the Bucks need to stay disciplined while defending the Rockets, especially while they’re beyond the arc.

Predictions and Leaderboard:

Rohan Katti: Rockets by 12 — 25-15, 457 point differential

Lukas Harkins:  Bucks by 3 — 23-17, 442 point differential

Adam Coffman: Rockets by 13 — 23-17, 466 point differential

Tom Pheister: Rockets by 6 — 23-17, 497 point differential

Adam McGee: Rockets by 12 — 22-18, 503 point differential

Jordan Treske: Rockets by 22 — 21-19, 542 point differential

Tim Wray: Rockets by 9 — 21-19, 471 point differential

Ti Windisch: Rockets by 15 — 20-20, 489 point differential

Next: Making Sense Of Thon Maker's Minutes

The game is on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. and will be televised on Fox Sports Wisconsin and ESPN.