The Houston Rockets take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Friday night.

The Rockets (16-50) have had a handful of moments to celebrate this season, but as their record implies, a lottery pick in the draft later this year is likely their only motivator at this point. Houston checks into Friday's game having dropped three straight games and eight of their last nine contests overall. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday, when they were throttled, 135-115, by the Philadelphia 76ers. Kelly Olynyk led the Rockets with a 27-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included eight assists, three blocks and one steal. Kenyon Martin, Jr. managed 23 points, 10 boards, six assists and two blocks. Anthony Lamb posted 22 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Armoni Brooks poured in 20 points, while Kevin Porter supplied 16 points, five assists and one rebound.

The Rockets will be without Porter (ankle), Avery Bradley (personal), Sterling Brown (knee), D.J. Wilson (COVID-19 protocols) and Eric Gordon (groin) for Friday's game. Olynyk (ankle), Tate (COVID-19 protocol) and Wood (ankle) will all carry questionable tags, while Danuel House (ankle) is doubtful.

The Bucks (42-24) check into Friday's battle on an upward trajectory, as they've prevailed in four straight and seven of the last nine overall. Their most recent success was a memorable one, as they recorded a 135-134 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. Jrue Holiday led the way for Milwaukee with 29 points, adding six assists, five rebounds and one block. Giannis Antetokounmpo provided 23 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Donte DiVincenzo supplied 19 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Patrick Connaughton turned in 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. Bryn Forbes offered 14 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Brook Lopez and Jeff Teague delivered 11 points each while pulling down eight rebounds and dishing out four assists, respectively.

The Bucks will list P.J. Tucker (neck) as probable for Friday's contest.

Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Rockets own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 143-136 win April 29.