NBA playoff preview and tips: Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks
- George Dempsey
- 19 April 2023
Milwaukee Bucks will look to level the scores when they host Miami Heat in game two of their NBA playoff series on Wednesday.
The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in a hole after game one. Everything went right for Miami as they shot the lights out and left with a 130-117 victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The Bucks were dealt a seismic blow when Giannis Antetekounmpo left the action with an injury and didn't return. Since then, it's been confirmed the Greek Freak is unlikely to feature in game two.
Giannis has averaged 31.1 points and 11.8 rebounds for Milwaukee this season. Simply put, the 6ft9 Greek-Nigerian is unstoppable and his absence is a problem for the Bucks at both ends of the court.
It's a boost for the Heat as they look to instill an unlikely 2-0 lead in the series, thus handing them a serious home-court advantage with three of the remaining five games taking place in Miami.
It felt like Erik Spoelstra's men barely missed a shot in game one, making 59.52% of their field goals, shooting a marginally better 60% from beyond the arc and making 15 of their 15 three-point attempts.
It wasn't all sunshine and roses for Miami, though. Tyler Herro left the action after scoring 12 points in 19 minutes, with scans later revealing he'd suffered a broken hand.
Herro has averaged 20.11 points, 5.4 assists and 4.2 rebounds for the Heat this season, making 37.8% of his 37.8% of his shots from deep. His absence is going to be a major blow as he sits out for the remainder of the playoffs.
The team's 37-year-old Guard, Kyle Lowry, is also listed as questionable for the Heat after pushing through the pain barrier to log 18 minutes in game one. Herro's absence makes his presence all the more important.
Both teams are banged up, but Milwaukee will be able to make the necessary adjustments to the game plan ahead of time should Giannis not suit up.
For that reason, it seems an overreaction to make Milwaukee a mere six-point favourite in game two. Miami are going to suffer from some serious regression on offence, whilst Milwaukee cannot afford to go 2-0 down.
Standout Trends
Bucks are 13-5-1 ATS in their last 19 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Bucks are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 after an ATS loss.
Heat are 7-27-1 ATS in their last 35 after an ATS win.
Heat are 16-33-2 ATS in their last 51 following a straight-up win.
