The Milwaukee Bucks are set to face off against the Miami Heat for the fourth and final time this season, with a chance to complete a clean sweep of the season series. Historically, the Heat have posed a serious playoff threat to Milwaukee, but this year feels different. While Miami has locked in a play-in tournament spot, they no longer resemble the dominant squad that reached the NBA Finals twice in the past four years.
Heading into this matchup, the Bucks aim to notch their 43rd win of the season, while the Heat look to snag win number 36. However, both teams will be missing key pieces due to injury: Milwaukee’s superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and Miami’s sharpshooter Tyler Herro.
Giannis has been battling a left foot sprain and has frequently appeared on the injury report. Initially listed as probable, the Bucks have since upgraded him to available—he’ll suit up and start in what will be his 64th appearance of the season. He’s coming off a monster performance against the 76ers, where he posted a mind-blowing 35 points, 20 assists, 17 rebounds, and 2 steals in just 39 minutes.
On the other side, Herro was listed as questionable due to a right thigh contusion, a new setback for the 25-year-old guard. Unfortunately for the Heat, Herro has been ruled out and will miss his fifth game of the season. Despite his absence, he’s been a bright spot for Miami this year, averaging 23.9 points, 5.6 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and nearly a steal per game, while shooting 46.9% from the field and 37.3% from deep.
The oddsmakers have this one pegged as a close contest, with the Bucks entering as slight underdogs at +1.5. Milwaukee holds a solid 28-21 record against Eastern Conference foes, while Miami trails a bit at 23-25.
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