Bucks vs Heat Game 2 Prediction and Odds
Bucks vs Heat Game 2 Prediction: The Milwaukee Bucks are predicted to win as per the latest odds and predictions.
The Miami Heat started their postseason with a comfortable 13-point win against the top-seeded side of the Eastern Conference. They will significantly improve their chances of progressing to the next round if they win Game 2 before hosting the Bucks. However, Miami needs to prepare for a solid response from Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee Bucks will look to make it 1-1 with a win in Game 2 of the first-round playoffs at Fiserv Forum Arena. The Buck started as home favorites in the first game too but they faced a disappointing defeat to the Heat. They are likely to make a comeback in the next matchup.
Season Recap
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks had a great regular season. After a long battle with the Boston Celtics for the top position in the Eastern Conference, the Bucks succeeded in finishing their campaign as the table leaders of the East. They had 58 wins and 24 defeats. Milwaukee’s flawless defense has been the main reason for their success this season. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the star performer for the Bucks once again. Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez also performed consistently well.
The Bucks were heavily criticized after a flop show against the Miami Heat to kickstart their postseason.
Miami Heat
It was a below-par campaign for the Miami Heat in the regular season. They fought hard to earn a playoff spot. The Heat finished in the 8th position in the regular season with 44 wins and 38 losses. In the Play-In tournament, the Heat failed to directly qualify for the playoffs by losing to the Atlanta Hawks. However, they bounced back and handed a crushing defeat to the Chicago Bulls in the next fixture to confirm their qualification.
The Heat started the playoffs with a stunning win against the Milwaukee Bucks in an away clash.
Heat vs Bucks Odds
Despite losing the first game, the Milwaukee Bucks are favored by the bookmarkers. The odds from sportsbooks listed on My Betting Sites US are also in favor of the Milwaukee Bucks. The latest odds and predictions for this game are:
- Miami Heat: +6.5 (-108)
- Milwaukee Bucks: -6.5 (-112)
Moneyline
- Miami Heat: +215
- Milwaukee Bucks: -255
Win Probability
- Miami Heat: 31%
- Milwaukee Bucks: 69%
Bucks vs Heat Game 2 Prediction: Home Away Stats
The Milwaukee Bucks will be the home side in Game 2 as well. They have been brilliant at Fiserv Forum Arena. In the regular season, the Bucks won 32 out of 41 home fixtures. In the last 5 games at home, they won 2 and lost 3.
It will be an away contest for the Miami Heat. The Heat did not have a good away record as they managed to win 17 out of 41 away matchups in the regular season. However, they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of the postseason. Miami has won 3 out of the last 5 away games.
Bucks vs Heat Game 2 Prediction: Offense and Defense Comparison
Offense
Offensive Advantage: Milwaukee Bucks
- The Milwaukee Bucks have played the regular season with an average of 116.9 points per game. They shot 47.3% from the field and 36.8% from the 3-point line. The free throw conversion rate stands at 74.3%. The Bucks are the 13th-ranked side in the attack with an Adjusted Offensive Rating of 114.9.
- The Miami Heat maintained a poor scoring rate of 109.5 points per game during the regular season. In shooting, they played with a success rate of 46.0% in field goals, 34.4% in 3-pointers, and 83.1% in free throws. Miami ranks 25 in the attack having an Adjusted Offensive Rating of 113.2.
Defense
Defensive Advantage: Milwaukee Bucks
- The Milwaukee Bucks have given away 113.3 points per game this season. They maintained an average of 48.6 rebounds along with 6.4 steals and 4.9 blocks per game. The Bucks are the 4th highest-ranked team in the defense having an Adjusted Defensive Rating of 111.5.
- The Miami Heat have conceded 109.8 points per game. They played with an average of 40.6 rebounds per game. The average number of steals per game is currently at 8.0 while the average number of blocks per game stands at 3.0. With an Adjusted Defensive Rating of 113.4, the Heat rank 8 in the defense.
Note: All the above stats are from the regular season of the NBA 2022-23.
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Bucks vs Heat Game 2 Prediction: Last Game Analysis
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury turned out to be a big disadvantage for the Milwaukee Bucks as they were handed a crushing defeat by the Miami Heat in Game 1. Antetokounmpo injured himself while landing on his back due to a foul by Kevin Love. He returned to the arena after 2 ½ minutes but moved to the locker room again before the end of the first half. The Heat also faced a major setback in the form of Tyler Herro’s injury when he broke his right hand before halftime. However, Jimmy Butler made sure to retain the lead for his side and didn’t allow Milwaukee to come closer.
The Bucks won 38-36 on rebounds. But they were outscored by the Heat 62-46 in the paint and 14-6 in the fast break points. Miami’s defense restricted Milwaukee to just 24.4% from the 3-point line.
Khris Middleton scored the most points (33) for the Bucks. He also added 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Bobby Portis scored 21 points off the bench along with 8 rebounds.
Jimmy Butler was the star performer for the Miami Heat. He finished with 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 11 assists. Bam Adebayo scored 22 points with 9 rebounds and 7 assists.
Bucks vs Heat Game 2 Prediction: Players to Watch Out
Miami Heat
- Jimmy Butler (Small Forward): Points Per Game: 35.0 | Rebounds Per Game: 11.0 | Assists Per Game: 5.0
- Bam Adebayo (Center): Points Per Game: 22.0 | Rebounds Per Game: 9.0 | Assists Per Game: 7.0
- Kevin Love (Power Forward): Points Per Game: 18.0 | Rebounds Per Game: 8.0 | Assists Per Game: 1.0
Milwaukee Bucks
- Khris Middleton (Small Forward): Points Per Game: 31.1 | Rebounds Per Game: 9.0 | Assists Per Game: 5.0
- Bobby Portis (Forward): Points Per Game: 21.0 | Rebounds Per Game: 8.0 | Defensive Rebounds Per Game: 8.0
- Jrue Holiday (Point Guard): Points Per Game: 16.0 | Assists Per Game: 16.0 | Rebounds Per Game: 7.0
Bucks vs Heat Game 2 Winner Prediction
- Home Advantage: Bucks
- Momentum Advantage: Heat
- Offensive Advantage: Bucks
- Defensive Advantage: Bucks
- Overall: Bucks to win
The Milwaukee Bucks can’t afford to trail by 2 games ahead of the away fixtures. They will hope for the fitness of Giannis Antetokounmpo. On the other hand, the Miami Heat have got a major boost with a win in Game 1. The absence of Tyler Herro is surely a disadvantage for them. It is likely to be a close battle in the next game.
As per the odds and stats, the Milwaukee Bucks are expected to win this matchup.