An NBA Game Day Preview between the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks
When: 2:00 PM EST, May 21, 2021
Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Point Spread: Milwaukee -4.5
OVER/UNDER Game Total: 227
Miami Heat
Record (Heading into the Playoffs): 40-32
Road Record: 19-17
Milwaukee Bucks
Record (Heading into the Playoffs): 46-26
Home Record: 26-10
Miami Heat Vs Milwaukee Bucks Game Day Preview
The NBA playoffs are underway, and the Miami Heat will face the Milwaukee Bucks in Round 1. The highly-anticipated series will feature Miami’s star duo of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo going up against Milwaukee’s trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have won five out of their last six games, with the one loss coming to their series opponent, Milwaukee (122-108).
However, Miami has Milwaukee’s number over the past few years. The Heat have won the two playoff meetings between the franchises, including their 4-1 series victory in the Orlando bubble in 2020. Miami also swept Milwaukee in the 2013 first round on their way to their second consecutive NBA title when they were led by the Big 3 (Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh).
Injuries: Victor Oladipo (OUT) and Omer Yurtseven (DTD)
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have won eight of nine games before losing their regular-season finale at Chicago on Sunday in a game in which they rested their entire starting lineup.
Heading into the playoffs, the Bucks are one of the most dangerous teams with their incredible players on both sides of the ball. They are looking to break through behind Giannis, who is averaging 28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists on the year (61 games).
Indeed, Giannis is looking for payback, after underperforming against Miami in last year’s playoffs. Also, after two straight years of stinging playoff defeats, Giannis Antetokounmpo has plenty of motivation to right his own playoff disappointments.
Injuries: Thanasis Antetokounmpo (OUT), Jeff Teague (DTD)
Projected Lineups
Miami
Kendrick Nunn (PG)
Duncan Robinson (SG)
Jimmy Butler (SF)
Trevor Ariza (PF)
Bam Adebayo (C)
Milwaukee
Jrue Holiday (PG)
Donte DiVincenzo (SG)
Khris Middleton (SF)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF)
Brook Lopez (C)