The Houston Rockets are quickly proving they’re not just an up-and-coming team—they’re one to watch. With a 10-4 record, they’ve far exceeded expectations, currently sitting with the fifth-best record and point differential in the league. Recent victories against the Los Angeles Clippers and Chicago Bulls have played a big part in that success, helping carry their momentum. Tonight, the Rockets face the Milwaukee Bucks, who have struggled early this season.

At 4-9, the Bucks are 21st in offensive efficiency and 13th in defense. They’re also on their second head coach, and rumors are swirling about a potential trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. Trading Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard to satisfy Giannis already seemed to close their championship window, and a move involving Giannis would likely seal it.

They brought in Adrian Griffin as their new head coach, only to fire him shortly after. This follows a trend where letting a superstar control team decisions—like the James Harden situation—rarely ends well. It’s a reminder that star players shouldn’t have the final say on personnel choices.

The Bucks also have 4 players on their injury report compared to 2 on the Rockets injury report from Sunday.

Both superstars on the report for the Bucks

The star duo of Giannis and Lillard are listed as probable for this match. Khris Middleton and Ryan Rollins are both out for Monday’s game. The Bucks will try to improve to 5-9 with both sidelined.

As expected, Antetokounmpo has been a standout player for Milwaukee. Despite the team’s struggles, he’s been incredible. Averaging 32.3 points per game, the highest in the league, plus 12.3 rebounds (third) and 6.1 assists, he’s shooting 60 percent from the field.

Antetokounmpo has only missed one game this season due to a right adductor strain and is expected to play Monday.

Damian Lillard, who has been recovering from a concussion, is also likely to return. He hasn’t played in the last three games but should be available for Monday’s game. The Bucks have certainly felt his absence. After a week off, Lillard may face some limitations, but he’s still managed over 32 minutes in every game this season. Across 10 appearances, he’s averaging 35.8 minutes, 26.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.

Rollins, who injured his left shoulder in Tuesday’s win over Toronto, will miss his third consecutive game on Monday. Middleton, still recovering from ankle injuries, hasn’t played this season and there’s no timetable for his return.

Can the untested Rockets benefit from a weak Bucks team?

Tonight, the Rockets face another back-to-back, following a 1-1 start in such games this season. This will be another tough test with two more back-to-backs ahead in the next week and a half. They were able to rest their starters last night in Chicago thanks to a blowout win, but young players still feel the strain of these quick turnarounds.

Tonight, the Rockets may be without some key players. Amen Thompson, who has been solid off the bench with an average of 11 points and 6.4 rebounds, is questionable due to quadriceps soreness. Steven Adams continues to recover from a right knee injury, leaving him ruled out. The injury report provided is from Sunday’s game. Since Houston plays back-to-back games, they don’t need to update it until shortly, before Monday’s tipoff.

So will the Rockets be able to pass the test as they play another back-to-back? Or will the Bucks bounce back from their loss against the Charlotte Hornets? What do you think?