Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat Preview and Prediction: Without Giannis, Who Will Step Up?

Introduction:

The Miami Heat (32-27) will take on the Milwaukee Bucks (41-17) at 7:30 p.m. EST on Friday. The Bucks are favored to win by one point, but this game could go either way without their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat are coming off a loss against the Brooklyn Nets, but have won four of their last six games. Their defense has been excellent this season, allowing just 105.3 points per game, which ranks second in the league. However, their offense has been struggling, averaging just 106.2 points per game, which ranks 25th in the league.

Bam Adebayo has been the standout player for the Heat this season, averaging 21.6 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Jimmy Butler has also been playing well lately, averaging 20.9 points over the last 10 games. The Heat will need both players to step up and carry the team if they want to come away with a win against the Bucks.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have been on fire lately, winning 10 straight games. However, they will likely be without their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is doubtful for this game due to a wrist injury. Without him, the Bucks will need other players to step up and carry the team.

Jrue Holiday has been playing well lately, averaging 20.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists over the last 10 games. Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis will also need to step up in Antetokounmpo's absence. The Bucks have a great defense, allowing just 105.3 points per game, which ranks third in the league. Their offense has also been great, averaging 117.3 points per game, which ranks fourth in the league.

Betting Trends:

The Miami Heat are 1-6 against the spread in their last seven games and the total has gone over in four of their last six games. The Milwaukee Bucks are 5-1 against the spread in their last six games and the total has gone under in four of their last five games.

Public Betting Data:

The public is split on this game, with 51% of the bets being placed on the Heat and 49% on the Bucks.

Prediction:

This is a tough game to predict without Antetokounmpo playing. The Heat have a great defense and will likely be able to keep the game close. However, the Bucks have been playing great lately and have other players who can step up in Antetokounmpo's absence. The Heat will need a big game from Adebayo and Butler to have a chance, but the Bucks should be able to come away with a narrow win.

Pick: Milwaukee Bucks (-1)