The Milwaukee Bucks will have the opportunity to banish the ghosts of last season in the first round of the playoffs this season, as they take on the team that knocked them out at the semi-final stage last term- the Miami Heat.
Bucks vs Heat Schedule
- When: Saturday, 22nd May 2021
- Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
- How To Watch: NBA League Pass
Bucks vs Heat Odds
| Milwaukee Bucks (-4.5) | -110 |
| Miami Heat (+4.5) | -110 |
| Over 227 | -110 |
| Under 227 | -110 |
Bucks vs Heat Preview
Bucks Looking For Revenge
The Milwaukee Bucks remain among the leading chances to win the Eastern Conference according to the latest odds, and they will be looking to get their playoff series off to the perfect start against the Miami Heat on Saturday evening. Milwaukee ended the season strongly to confirm their spot in the playoffs, as they won eight of their last ten regular season games. Only the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets finished above the Bucks in the East.
Much of the expectation will once again land on the shoulders of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek stuck with the Bucks despite a number of franchises showing an interest last summer, and this will be the team’s opportunity to show him that he was right to stick with the Bucks. Giannis has once again been in excellent form this season, as he has averaged 28.1 points per game, and has scored on 56.9% from the field. He sat out the final regular season fixture of the season against the Chicago Bulls, and should be fully fit to lead the Bucks on Saturday.
Heat Once Again Underdogs
Being the underdogs isn’t something that is likely to faze the Miami Heat, as it is the exact position that they were in last season. The Heat defied expectations to reach the NBA Finals last season, and they will need to do the same once again. It is hard to rule out the possibility of that happening, and they do come into the first game of this series in excellent form.
Like the Bucks, the Heat won eight of their last ten games to seal their spot in the playoffs. That run of form saw them finish above the Boston Celtics, who have sealed seventh courtesy of their play-in victory. The Heat are outsiders, but it’s safe to say that they still have a chance, especially if they can rediscover their spirit from last season.
Recent Meetings
The Bucks and Heat only played each other on May 15th, as the Bucks ran out 122-108 winners in the penultimate game of the regular season. However, the Heat did pick up a win earlier in the season. Both sides have won three regular season meetings apiece in the last six.
Bucks vs Heat Pick & Prediction
The pressure on Saturday evening will be on the Bucks, as they have to get off to the perfect start and set the tone for the series. We find it hard to oppose the Bucks in game one, and it could be a high-scoring night for Giannis.
Pick: Bucks (-4.5)
