The Miami Heat (37-26) will attempt to keep their five-game winning streak alive when they meet the Milwaukee Bucks (26-38) at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Action gets underway at 8:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Mar. 9.
The Bucks lost to the Bulls 100-90 on Monday. Jerryd Bayless was the team’s leading scorer with 20 points. The Heat, meanwhile, are coming off a 103-98 win over the 76ers on Sunday. Goran Dragic stood out, accounting for 23 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Over the last five games, a number of players have been better than usual for the Bucks. Jabari Parker has led the way, averaging 22.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks. Giannis Antetokounmpo (21.0 PTS, 9.6 REB, 9.2 AST, 2.8 STL, and 2.0 BLK) and Khris Middleton (24.2 PTS, 4.0 REB, 3.2 AST, 3.2 STL, and 2.8 3PM) have also played lights out. The Heat also have their own player combo that has upped their production in that same time frame. Hassan Whiteside has averaged 16.8 points, 13.6 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.8 steals, and 4.0 blocks, while Dwyane Wade has put up 23.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Heat had the upper hand in the most recent game, a 107-103 win. Dwyane Wade had a standout performance in the victory, putting up 24 points, four rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and three blocks.
The Bucks are hoping to improve on their records of 26-38 Straight Up (SU) and 31-31-2 Against The Spread (ATS). Over their last 10 games, they have had success covering the spread (8-2). Milwaukee has been on fire lately, averaging 108.1 points per game, well over their season average of 99.2. If its opponents turn the ball over, Milwaukee has shown that it knows how to capitalize. They average 19.0 points off turnovers, making them the second-best team in the league for that category.
As for their opponent, the Heat have 37-26 SU and 34-28-1 ATS records. Miami has records of 37-26 SU and 34-28-1 ATS against the East. The Heat convert their shots at a high percentage, ranking fifth in the league at .463. Shifting to the other side of the court, the Heat allow just 96.9 points per game, ranking them second in the league. They average 6.7 blocks per game, good for first in the league.
In their previous meeting this season, Miami beat Milwaukee, evening up the two teams’ head-to-head record over the last 10 games. They are also even ATS in their last 10 games.
Predictions: SU Winner – Mia
Notes
Miami ranks 26th in points per game with 98.0, while Milwaukee ranks 19th in points allowed with an average of 103.2 given up.
Miami ranks 30th in points per away game with 94.7 points, while Milwaukee ranks 19th in points allowed at home with 102.1.
In games where they allow fewer than 100 points, the Miami Heat are a solid 29-10. In games where they score fewer than 100 points, the Milwaukee Bucks have an underachieving record of 9-27.
The Miami Heat have a losing 8-16 record in games where they have allowed at least 100 points. The Milwaukee Bucks are 17-11 when they hit the century mark.
The Bucks have a defensive rating of 106.2 (ranked 21st), while the Heat rank 18th for their offensive rating of 103.2.
Milwaukee has an average field goal percentage of 46.2% (ranked sixth). Miami is a poor 8-13 when opponents have a similar or higher field goal percentage.
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat both rank higher in average field goal percentage when compared to their effective field goal percentages. Milwaukee is 15th and sixth in the league for EFF% and FG% respectively, while Miami ranks 13th and fifth in these categories.
Milwaukee makes an average of 23.0 assists per game (ranked eighth), while Miami makes 20.5 assists per game (ranked 24th).
Among all teams, Miami is the best at blocking, registering an average of 6.7 per game. Milwaukee ranks slightly lower in total blocks, at sixth (5.7 per game).
Milwaukee ranks in the top half of the NBA in offensive rebounding at 13th, while Miami ranks near the top of the league (fifth) in defensive rebounding.
On average, Miami makes 6.5 steals per game. Milwaukee is a losing 20-33 when it gives up at least 6 steals.
