Houston Rockets vs Milwaukee Bucks Preview By The Numbers

Jan 18, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Knight (11) is fouled by Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) during the second half at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 114-104. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

A look at the Houston Rockets matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks Saturday night:

56, 25

Both Dwight Howard and Terrence Jones combined for 56 points and 25 rebounds in the first matchup on Jan. 18, with Jones going off for a career high 36 points. The froncourt tandem out-manned and dominated their way in the paint on both ends of the floor, and can very well do the same Saturday night.

The number of losses for the Bucks this season, which almost matches as many wins as the Rockets have(33). At 9-40, the worst record in the NBA, the Bucks are also hampered by several injuries including center Larry Sanders(out with a thumb injury), Caron Butler(out with a sore knee), Gary Neal(out with plantar fasciitis), and former Rocket Carlos Delfino, who’s out with a foot injury.

14-3

The Rockets record against Eastern Conference teams this season, with the 3 losses coming at the hands of the Pacers, Hawks, and Sixers.

Return Of A Familiar Face…..Possibly?

Head coach Kevin McHale stated Friday that he thinks Omer Asik will play for the first time in 2 months after a lingering knee injury.

“I would think Omer is going to play tomorrow, now granted, this is the most he has done and if his knee swells up again, he won’t play tomorrow night but if he can come through tonight and tomorrow’s shoot around, I think he will play.

We had everybody out there, except for Greg (Smith) and Isaiah Canaan so we did some good up and down,” McHale said. “It was a good practice.”

Asik has played in just 17 games this season, averaging 4.4 points and 6.8 rebounds in 18 minutes per game.