Is the Eastern Conference's top seed in major trouble right out of the gate in the NBA playoffs? Along with losing Game 1 at home to the Miami Heat on Sunday, the Milwaukee Bucks could be without Giannis Antetokounmpo as they attempt to even up the series tonight (9:00 pm ET, NBA TV).
Giannis is listed as doubtful for Game 2 after suffering a back contusion in the first quarter of Game 1. With the two-time NBA MVP sidelined, the Bucks were not able to get the job done offensively or defensively as the Heat went on to a 130-117 win.
Will Giannis suit up tonight? Will Milwaukee be able to win if he is unable to take the court? Read on for our Heat vs Bucks prediction, as well as our best bets for tonight's matchup at Fiserv Forum.
Looking for More NBA Playoff Picks?
At Betting News, you can find aggregated NBA picks from several reputable industry sources for this and every NBA playoff game.
And if you are interested in checking out NBA betting picks from other sources, there are a number of trustworthy sports handicapping services that we recommend.
Find trusted services with free offers and guaranteed picks!
One of those sources is Doc's Sports, which has a great offer going right now.
Doc's Sports offers a lot of free picks and content, but they also offer $60 worth of premium sports picks free for new premium signups.
Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks Odds
Odds are via BetOnline as of Wednesday, April 19, 2023.
Spread
Miami Heat +6.5 (-108)
Milwaukee Bucks -6.5 (-112)
Over/Under
Over 219 (-110)
Under 219 (-110)
Moneyline
Miami Heat +220
Milwaukee Bucks -270
Will the Heat Be Able to Replicate Their Game 1 Performance?
In Miami's Game 1 win in Milwaukee, Kevin Love made four three-pointers and had 18 points and eight rebounds.
Milwaukee may have been without Giannis for most of the game, but that should not diminish how impressive Miami was on the way to taking a series lead.
The Heat entered the playoffs as one of the least productive offensive teams in the NBA. But they couldn't have been much better on the offensive end in the series opener. They shot 59.5% (50 of 84) overall from the field, and they made 15 of 25 (60%) from three.
Jimmy Butler led the way with 35 points, five rebounds, and 11 assists, but an extremely notable contribution came from Kevin Love. Love had scored in double figures only five times in 23 games since joining the Heat, but he put up 18 points and added eight rebounds in Sunday's win.
But will the Heat be able to do it all again tonight, Giannis or no Giannis? Their numbers this season certainly don't favor it.
Thus far this season–regular season and postseason included–the Heat have covered in back-to-back road games only twice. And there have been only three instances this season in which Miami has won two or more road games in a row.
Of those ATS and SU results, none of them involve consecutive covers or wins against teams who finished above .500 in the regular season. The closest they came to that achievement was covering in an SU loss at Minnesota (42-40) on November 21, then winning and covering against the Atlanta Hawks (41-41) on November 27.
Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction and Best Bets
Prediction for Heat vs Bucks: Bucks to win
Best Bet for Heat vs Bucks: Bucks -6.5 (Best Value: BetOnline & BetUS)
Whether or not Giannis is able to play tonight, I expect the Bucks to come to play tonight.
Best Player Prop Bets for Heat vs Bucks
Jrue Holiday over 20.5 points (Best Value: BetMGM)
In Game 1, Holiday struggled from the field, making just 6 of his 18 shots, including only 2 of 9 from three. In the regular season, he shot below 40% in consecutive games only three times. If he shoots even 40% tonight, this one should hit with little stress, especially if Giannis is out and he, among others, have to take more shots to compensate.
Where to Bet on Heat vs Bucks
Here are four legal sports betting sites that we highly recommend and have reviewed, where you can bet on this year's NBA postseason action.
1
4.9/5 Review Rating
Bonus & Benefits Up to $1,250 + 50 Free Slots Spins See our review »
$1,250 Welcome Bonus Bet Live on Your Favorite Sports Earn More with Rebel Rewards!
Eddie Griffin has been writing about and betting on sports for over a decade and has been with Betting News since 2021. For more of his thoughts on sports and sports betting, you can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.