The top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks are set to take on the eighth-seeded Miami Heat. Both teams have had quite contrasting journeys leading up to this point but both of them have good chances of winning. The Bucks won the title back in 2021 in an outstanding manner. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. are looking forward to redeeming themselves after a tough loss against Boston during the second round of the playoffs last season.
The Miami Heat have shown a lot of fight left in them. They had an upsetting regular season and were almost put off by the Chicago Bulls during the play-in tournament. Miami now has a chance to start fresh and reclaim its position as the best team in the East. Jimmy Butler and the Heat managed to secure a victory against the Toronto Raptors in Game 2.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will start in the Milwaukee Bucks vs Miami Heat game tonight
Milwaukee Bucks fans are extremely lucky to have all their players available for Game 1 of their playoff run. They have a tied record against the Miami Heat this season with two wins and two losses. The Greek Freak missed out on two games in between due to injuries. However, the Heat has their star players in line for the game. Kyle Lowry will probably miss the game due to a knee injury. Here are the injury reports and expected lineups for the game.
"Body is feeling great. Mind is feeling great. So I'm ready to go." @Froedtert & MCW Practice Report. pic.twitter.com/m6jSVVd861
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 15, 2023
Milwaukee Bucks injury report
No injuries were recorded.
Milwaukee Bucks expected roster
- Jrue Holiday
- Grayson Allen
- Khris Middleton
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Brook Lopez
Miami Heat injury report
- Kyle Lowry (Questionable)
- Gabe Vincent (Questionable)
- Nikola Jovic (Out)
Miami Heat expected lineup
- Victor Oladipo
- Tyler Herro
- Mac Strus
- Jimmy Butler
- Bam Adebayo
Both teams have a roster they can certainly work with. Lowry has a lot of leadership qualities that come with championship experience as well. However, Butler will be able to push through as he has anchored the Heat single-handedly before.
The Milwaukee Bucks are favored to win against the Miami Heat
Giannis will be the best player on the Bucks’ roster. The Greek Freak has made a strong case for the MVP award this season, giving the Bucks the best record in the NBA. He averaged 31.1 points with 11.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists, shooting 55.3% from the field.
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are both key players on the Heat’s roster. Butler leads the team, averaging 22.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Adebayo leads the team in rebounds and blocks.
Only 2 players in NBA history have averaged 30+ PPG, 10+ RPG, and 5+ APG on 50%+ shooting in a season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Wilt ChamberlainOnly ONE player in NBA history has averaged those numbers on 55%+ shooting.
Giannis Antetokounmpo pic.twitter.com/7UwbhkZa9y
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 9, 2023
Antetokounmpo averaged 19.5 points against the Heat but only played in two games against them. In one of those games, he scored 35 points. The Bucks dominated on defense limiting Butler to under 20 points per game. However, Herro and Oladipo can easily back him up in that case.
Brook Lopez’s outburst on defense has made the Bucks are a scarier team in comparison to the Heat. Overall, the Bucks are most likely going to win the game and potentially advance to the second round as well.