Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Heat stole Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, benefitting from Giannis Antetokounmpo’s lower back injury.
While Giannis is trending in the right direction for Game 2, there is no guarantee that he’s going to be able to suit up for the Bucks.
Miami is also down a key player in Tyler Herro, who broke his hand in Game 1. Despite losing Herro, the Heat still had one of their best offensive games of the season in Game 1.
Do the Bucks bounce back as nine-point favorites?
Heat vs. Bucks odds, spread and total
Heat vs. Bucks prediction and pick
Milwaukee’s offense looked out of sorts without Antetokounmpo, and the team is much worse defensively without the former Defensive Player of the Year.
The Heat dropped 130 points behind one of the best shooting games of the season, and losing Herro is a major blow to their offense.
However, there is no guarantee that Giannis plays in this game, and even if he does, how effective will he be?
We know that Jimmy Butler and the Heat are going to play with a supreme effort, and I don’t see Erik Spoelstra’s team getting blown out after a strong Game 1.
This is ultimately a game where I’ll probably bet a prop or at least wait for Giannis’ actual status before wagering, but for now, I’ll lean with Miami.
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