Bucks vs Heat Pick: Can Milwaukee Stay Hot Against Miami? (Jan 23)

• The Bucks are 24-17 and have the second-best record in the Central Division.
• Miami is 21-21 and has the third-best record in the Southeast Division.
• These teams last played on Nov. 26, 2024, with the Bucks claiming a 106-103 victory.

One of the games on tap from Thursday night’s NBA slate features the Milwaukee Bucks hosting the Miami Heat. Will Miami cool off Milwaukee in our Bucks vs Heat pick?

Bucks’ Stock Trending Upward

Back on Jan. 12, the Bucks were embarrassed by the New York Knicks to the tune of 140-106. Following that disappointing loss, though, Milwaukee has reeled off four straight wins, including a 123-109 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had an MVP-caliber performance. He scored 34 points and pulled down 15 rebounds to go along with six assists.

Damian Lillard added 25 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively. Despite several players out of the rotation with injuries, Philly kept the game close, trailing by four points late in the second quarter.

However, Antetokounmpo threw down a reverse dunk to extend Milwaukee’s lead to six points. Middleton knocked down a step-back 3-point basket to give the Bucks a nine-point cushion at the break. The Bucks outscored the 76ers by a 64-59 margin in the second half en route to their fourth straight win.

Can Miami Bounce Back From Loss Against Trail Blazers?

After notching a 128-107 victory against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, the Heat followed that up with a somewhat surprising 116-107 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. Duncan Robinson was the focal point of the team’s scoring attack. He led the way with 22 points, including six 3-pointers. He also tallied five rebounds and four assists.

Kel’el Ware added a double-double that included 20 points and 15 rebounds. Jimmy Butler, who has made it known that he wants out of Miami, chipped in with 13 points, while Bam Adebayo finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Portland built a 21-point lead early in the final frame, but Miami responded with a 19-4 burst that trimmed the deficit to 112-105 with 1:58 left to play in regulation. However, Jerami Grant converted three of four free throws down the stretch to help the Trail Blazers hold on for the win.

Bucks vs Heat Pick: Milwaukee’s Hot Streak Continues

In addition to their four-game win streak, the Bucks have produced seven wins across their last eight contests. Meanwhile, the Heat are heading in the opposite direction. Following a three-game winning streak, this group has dropped four of its previous five games.

Both squads are middle-of-the-road from an offensive standpoint. On the other hand, Milwaukee is a top-10 team from a defensive perspective. With that in mind, look for the Bucks to win their fifth straight.

Tags:
• Regular Season (NBA)