Milwaukee Bucks vs Miami Heat Preview (1/14/23): Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds
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For the second time in three nights, the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat will battle in South Beach. Check out our entire analysis, betting picks, and predictions below.
You can also find the projected starting lineups, current odds, and updated injury reports for both teams.
Milwaukee Bucks Vs. Miami Heat Betting Odds
The Milwaukee Bucks are one-point road dogs against the Miami Heat on Saturday night. Both teams have a lengthy injury report as of Friday.
Miami will miss Omer Yurtseven, Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin, and Nikola Jovic, which certainly could hurt its rotation. Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry are also listed as day-to-day.
Milwaukee still does not have Khris Middleton or Serge Ibaka available, while Giannis Antetokounmpo is questionable heading into this matchup.
Milwaukee Bucks Vs. Miami Heat Prediction
Giannis Antetokounmpo needs a break. All-Star Weekend can’t come soon enough for him. Luckily, Milwaukee recognized his exhaustion after three below-average games and sat him in the first game against Miami.
He posted averages of merely 13 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists during that stretch. Keep an eye on his availability heading into Saturday night’s matchup, as his presence is vital for Milwaukee to have a chance.
Hopefully, the Bucks just wanted to get him an extra day of rest.
Without Antetokounmpo, the Bucks struggled on Thursday night in Miami; they shot just 40% from the field and posted merely 102 points.
That won’t get it done against above-average competition. Giannis’ absence was apparent, as Milwaukee was out-rebounded by 22 and could not score inside the three-point line (13-for-30 on two-point shots) to save its life.
Additionally, Miami crushed the Bucks in points in the paint, 58 to 18. Despite their size, that has been a crutch for Milwaukee for most of the season, as it ranks bottom-four in that category.
Miami doesn’t rank much better, but without Antetokounmpo, the Bucks might be the worst finishing team in the paint in the NBA.
If Giannis misses a second-straight game versus Miami, I will ride with the Heat against the spread. Miami matches up exceptionally well with Milwaukee when Giannis isn’t playing, and it should be another tough night offensively for the Bucks.
If Giannis gives it a go, I will likely re-evaluate.
Betting Trends
- Milwaukee is 8-10-3 ATS on the road in 2022-23
- Miami is 6-14-2 ATS at home in 2022-23
- The combined over record of these two teams is 41-44 in 2022-23
Key Matchups
The key matchup for the second game in three nights between these two teams will feature Jrue Holiday versus the Miami Heat backcourt. Check out which has the advantage below and if it will make any difference in the outcome of the game.
Jrue Holiday vs. Heat Backcourt
Jrue Holiday put up excellent and efficient numbers on Thursday night against Miami: he scored 24 points on 7-for-10 from the field, dished out 11 assists, and pulled down six rebounds. Holiday has put together two high-quality games in a row. Can he make it three?
The Miami backcourt has allowed the sixth-fewest points to opposing point guards this season. However, the Heat do give up a lot of threes to point guards, as they rank 26th in the NBA in that metric. Jrue is far from afraid to shoot from deep, regardless of the type of look.
Miami should again play solid defense, especially in the paint where Bam Adebayo roams and lurks, waiting for his next victim. Still, Holiday should get enough clean looks from the perimeter to put together another great game. Advantage: Holiday.
Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineup
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Pat Connaughton
SF: Grayson Allen
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Brook Lopez
Miami Heat Starting Lineups
PG: Kyle Lowry
SG: Tyler Herro
SF: Haywood Highsmith
PF: Jimmy Butler
C: Bam Adebayo
Key Injuries
Milwaukee Bucks Injuries: Serge Ibaka (Out), Khris Middleton (Out), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Q)
Miami Heat Injuries: Omer Yurtseven (Out), Duncan Robinson (Out), Caleb Martin (Out), Nikola Jovic (Out), Kyle Lowry (Q), Tyler Herro (Q)
