First vs. eighth in the East!
The best team in the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks start the 2023 playoffs! Their opponent in the first round was again only recently determined. In the decisive play-in game in the Eastern Conference, Miami finally prevailed against the Chicago Bulls.
Milwaukee Bucks – Statistics & current form
Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer can continue to rely on Giannis Antetokounmpo. The “Greek Freak” is once again delivering a very strong season and is quite rightly once again in the MVP draw.
However, it would be too short-sighted to link the very good regular season only to the top forward. Rather, Milwaukee has a very well-stocked team just as deep on the roster, which is why a successful run for the 2021 champions in the 2023 NBA Playoffs is in the offing.
Middleton will return
Further encouraging from the home side’s perspective is that there is a high probability that powerful small forward Khris Middleton will be back on board in time for the start of the 2023 NBA postseason. Although he had to miss the last two games of the regular season due to knee problems, he has already returned to team training this week. With this in mind, his comeback on the court at the Fiserv Forum is strongly hinted at.
Miami Heat – Statistics & current form
The Florida franchise converted their second match point to enter the postseason on Friday night. After a home loss to Atlanta in the seventh-place game, head coach Erik Spoelstra’s team followed up by defeating Chicago.
The victory came largely thanks to strong performances from Jimmy Butler and Max Strus, who each recorded 31 points against the NBA’s six-time champions. In addition, it was a hard piece of work: Only a final spurt in the form of a 15:1 run at the end of the fourth quarter ensured the success for Miami.
Worries about Lowry
Kyle Lowry is also still not fully fit. The 37-year-old veteran has been plagued with knee problems for some time and was only able to play eleven minutes in the recent win over the Bulls.
Milwaukee Bucks – Miami Heat Tip
The duel has been a guarantee for a home win from a statistical point of view in the recent past. The last eight meetings have always ended with a win for the respective host (four wins each for the Bucks and Miami).
For the next meeting between the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat, the betting and odds on a home win with at least a ten-point difference are once again on offer. The home side has the better squad and has the home bonus.
In addition, Miami has already had to play two tough play-in games this week. This gives the Bucks a physical advantage on top. Furthermore, the hosts will be looking for an outright win in the first game against the Heat to set the tone in their favour in this series.
