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Milwaukee Bucks vs Miami Heat: South Beach Double Tango

Will the bubble defeat still linger?

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Miami Heat v Milwaukee Bucks - Game Five Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images

So the season hasn’t been the best start for the Milwaukee Bucks, and the tough slate of games continues tonight as they play the first of a back-to-back against the Miami Heat.

Where We’re At

Three games into the season and the Bucks haven’t gotten out on the best foot. A last second loss to the Boston Celtics wasn’t ideal but a Christmas blowout of the Golden State Warriors gave us some holiday cheer. Unfortunately we got a heavy dose of “All I Want For Christmas is Made Threes” from the New York Knicks, and now the Bucks have to face it’s toughest opponent yet in the Miami Heat. Milwaukee is mostly at full strength, save for Torrey Craig and his nasal fracture.

The Heat have played two games so far and have seen mixed results as well. A loss to the undefeated Orlando Magic but a win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Christmas has the defending Eastern Conference champs sitting at 1-1. It will be interesting to see how the Bucks new look will handle Miami’s stifling defense. Miami will likely be without star wing Jimmy Butler, though, as he’s dealing with an ankle issue.

Player to watch: Jrue Holiday

In the bubble playoff earlier, Miami was able to slow down Milwaukee and made life difficult for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of the gang. A big reason was the ineffeciency from previous point guard Eric Bledsoe, who struggled the whole series. Milwaukee is hoping Jrue Holiday’s patience and calm on the ball will be enough to break down Miami’s wall. Holiday will also be tasked with slowing down Tyler Herro and Goran Dragic, who will look to exploit Milwaukee on the pick and roll.



Poll

Game 4: Against the Heat, Milwaukee will...

This poll is closed

  • 24%
    Win big (by 10 or more points)
    (31 votes)
  • 36%
    Win close (by 9 or fewer points)
    (46 votes)
  • 24%
    Lose close (by 9 or fewer points)
    (30 votes)
  • 14%
    Lose big (by 10 or more points)
    (18 votes)
125 votes total Vote Now

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