The Milwaukee Bucks visit the Miami Heat on Tuesday, November 28, at the American Airlines Arena in a battle of Eastern Conference heavyweights. The Heat vs. Bucks In-season tournament tips off at 7:30 p.m. EST.
The Heat will try to even their series against the Bucks in this encounter. Both teams played last October 30, with the Bucks winning, 122-114.
The game means more to the host team since they have dropped their last two assignments. These were losses to the New York Knicks, 100-98, and to the Brooklyn Nets, 112-97.
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On the other side, the Bucks are eyeing their third-straight win. They are coming off wins over the Washington Wizards (131-128) and the Portland Trail Blazers (108-102).
Heat vs. Bucks In-Season Tournament Odds
The Heat are one-point favorites to prevail over the Bucks in this matchup. The Moneyline is -115 for Miami and -105 for Milwaukee per OddsSharks.
While it should be an exciting game that could go down the wire, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra may be in for a long night. Aside from coming off a disappointing road trip, several top stars are hurting.
One player ruled out already for this Heat vs. Bucks tiff is Tyler Herro, who is dealing with an ankle injury. Others listed as questionable are Jimmy Butler (ankle), Duncan Robinson (thumb) and Bam Adebayo (hip) among others.
Out for the game for the Bucks is Jae Crowder with a groin injury, while Khris Middleton is listed as questionable due to an Achilles issue.
Heat vs. Bucks In-Season Tournament Preview
The Heat will have to will their way against the Bucks to stop their losing skid. With most of their stars hurting, it may be a tall order for Miami.
But despite losing their two games, Spoelstra remains upbeat about his team's chances and even commended them for their efforts.
"There definitely was a competitive spirit. I commend the guys for making that fight at different times and then we were hobbled at different times," Spoelstra said via ESPN. "It was a pretty ugly game and we were doing whatever we possibly could to keep it within striking distance."
Making it even more daunting for Miami is the fact that the Bucks have figured out what it takes to win since acquiring Damian Lillard. After a sluggish start, Milwaukee has won eight of its last ten games.
In their last game, they battled back after falling by as much as 26 points against the Trail Blazers, CBS Sports reported.
Lillard anchored that win against his former team, finishing with a game-high 31 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks in that win with 33 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Hence, Antetokounmpo and Lillard will be two players that the Heat will have to put in check. Miami is 8th in the league when it comes to defensive rating with a 110.
Overall, the Bucks will be a tough team to contain. They are 7th in the league with an offensive rating of 117.8, something Spoelstra will have to figure out.
Heat vs. Bucks In-Season Tournament Pick
Despite holding homecourt advantage, Miami must work hard to secure a win. The Bucks should easily cover the spread, especially with Antetokounmpo and Lillard finding their groove.
The Heat will have to keep the game close if they want a chance to end their two-game losing skid.
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