Heat vs. Bucks prediction, odds, pick, spread

We’re back with another NBA betting prediction and pick as we head to the Eastern Conference for the next meeting between the storied rivals. The Miami Heat (21-21) will download on Milwaukee Bucks (24-17) with Milwaukee leading the season series 1-0. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with Heat-Bucks prediction and selection.

The Miami Heat are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference standings as they have improved to a .500 record. They lost their last game 116-107 against the Portland Trail Blazers and are 1-4 in their last five games. They will hope to get back on track in their second meeting with the Bucks.

The Milwaukee Bucks are currently fourth in the East, and last they beat the Philadelphia 76ers 123-109. They are winners of seven of their last eight games and are riding a four-game winning streak going into this game. Their team is healthy as they get an extra day of rest with a delayed game against the Pelicans.

Here are the Heat-Bucks NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA Odds: Heat-Bucks Odds

Miami Heat: +7 (-110)

Moneiline: +235

Milwaukee Bucks: -7 (-110)

Moneilines: -290

Over: 224.5 (-110)

Under: 224.5 (-110)

How to watch Heat vs. Bucks

Time: 7:30 PM ET/ 4:30 PM PT

TV: TNT, NBA Pass

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why the heat might cover the spread/win

The Miami Heat lost their last game in convincing fashion because they just couldn’t keep up with the scoring from Portland. They continue to wade through the Jimmy Butler trade saga as their opponents in this one have been mentioned as possible suitors for the star quarterback. They continue to rank near the bottom of the NBA in terms of average FGM (39.8), but have the fourth-lowest average turnover rate (12.4), so they will need to be more aggressive in finding shots and getting to the free-throw line for occasions.

The Miami Heat will be able to rely on the rising talents of Kel’el Ware and Nikola Jovic. Ware had another 20-point, 15-rebound performance against the Trail Blazers while serving as the team’s true center. They allowed Bam Adebayo to move to the forward spot in an effort to generate some production with his post game. Tyler Hero remains on the ‘day-to-day’ list, but they’ll need him as their main scoring option if they want a chance in this one.

Why Dollars Could Cover the Spread/Win

The Milwaukee Bucks are making their midseason breakthrough as they re-emerge as favorites to compete in the Eastern Conference. Their current four-game winning streak has been dominant, posting double-digit wins in each win over great teams like the Kings and Magic. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.7 PPG and 12.9 RPG over his last 10 while adding 6.2 APG in an extended effort to distribute the ball. The Bucks are far better when he’s on the floor, but their depth throughout the season has shown this roster’s ability to flourish without him.

With Khris Middleton and AJ Green both placed on the questionable list ahead of this game, that could offer opportunities for role players Taurean Prince and Andre Jackson Jr. to log some significant minutes in starting roles off the bench. Giannis Antetokounmpo will have a huge advantage on the interior as Bobby Portis should continue to see extended minutes off the bench. Look for the Bucks to incorporate him into their shooting from beyond the arc early.

Heat-Bucks final prediction and selection

This will be an interesting second meeting between these two teams and the first since Jimmy Butler trade speculation began to surface. The Bucks won the first meeting with the score of 106-103 with a big margin of 37 points from Damian Lillard. With Tyler Aro possibly sitting out with an injury, Lillard could put up another great performance from deep.

The Bucks also outrebounded the Heat 41-38 during their last meeting, but the addition of Kel-El Ware to the lineup should give the Heat a much better chance to contend on the glass. The matchup between him and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the paint will be the most intriguing of this game as it could provide resistance to Giannis’ success.

Still, the Bucks are riding a big wave of momentum right now, and I don’t see the offense in Miami being able to keep up with the results of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Let’s play the Milwaukee Bucks to cover this home game.

Heat-Bucks Final Prediction and Pick: Milwaukee Bucks -7 (-110)