The Milwaukee Bucks with visit the Miami Heat on Saturday at Kaseya Center. The Bucks are 4.5-point spread favorites and the game total is 220.5.
Miami took game one of the series 130-117, shooting nearly 59.5 percent from the field and 60 percent (15-of-25) from three. The Heat outscored the Bucks 62-46 in the paint.
Milwaukee responded with a game-two win, beating Miami 138-122. The Bucks and Heat both shot roughly 53 percent from the floor, but the home team outscored the visitors 81-55 in the first half. Milwaukee led by as many as 36 points and only trailed by three.
Milwaukee earned respect with its game-two win, bouncing back nicely after a resounding defeat in the series opener. The Heat weren't expected to win both games but with Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined with a back injury, Milwaukee proved it's a legitimate squad.
Giannis' status for game three remains a concern for Bucks backers, particularly futures bettors. The NBA is a grind, and nothing should be taken for granted, especially Antetokounmpo's impact. The Greek Freak, who is a game-time decision, needs to get healthy soon if Milwaukee is going to reach its goals this postseason.
One goal on our mind. pic.twitter.com/sWl8E2ASY3
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 16, 2023
The Bucks averaged 116.9 points per game (8th) this season with a 47.3 FG% (19th) and a 36.8 3PT% (10th). They hit 74.3 percent of their free throws (29th) and averaged 48.6 rebounds per game (1st) with a +4.4 rebounding margin. Milwaukee surrendered 113.3 points per game on defense (14th) and its opponents shot 45.6 percent from the field (2nd), including 35.4 percent from long range (8th).