Upcoming Match-ups

Bucks vs Heat Picks and Odds

Quinn Allen

by Quinn Allen in NBA Basketball

Updated Oct 20, 2021 · 6:24 PM PDT

Giannis dribbling in post against defender
Oct 19, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles against Brooklyn Nets forward Nicolas Claxton (33) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
  • The Bucks and Heat meet on Thursday, October 21st in South Beach
  • Milwaukee is a 2.5-point road favorite after beating the Nets in their season opener
  • Find the odds, preview, and prediction below

Revenge will be on the Miami Heat’s minds on Thursday, October 20th as they welcome the Milwaukee Bucks to town. Tip-off is set for 8:10pm ET at FTX Arena in South Beach.

Miami was swept by the defending champions in the first round in last year’s NBA Playoffs and will certainly be motivated to grab a victory here in their first game of the 2021-22 campaign.

As for the Bucks, they beat the Brooklyn Nets on Opening Night.

Bucks vs Heat Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total Points
Milwaukee Bucks -2.5 (-110) -138 Ov 224 (-110)
Miami Heat +2.5 (-110) +118 Un 224 (-110)

Odds as of October 20th at FanDuel.

Great Start For Milwaukee

The Bucks were presented with their championship rings on Tuesday prior to tip-off against the Nets, then got off to a perfect start in their title-defending season. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. cruised to a dominant 127-104 win.

The Greek Freak led the way with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists. The energy in the Fiserv Forum was absolutely electric and it’s clear that Milwaukee was thriving off it.

Mike Budenholzer’s squad came out of the gates firing, going on a 21-4 run in the opening quarter, and led by at least seven for the entire contest. Jrue Holiday did exit in the second half with a heel injury, but Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton picked up the slack offensively alongside Giannis, both dropping 20 points.

A player that really impressed was 2020 second-rounder Jordan Nwora. The former Louisville standout added 15 points off the bench and went 3-for-6 from beyond the arc.

While it was a scoring clinic for the Bucks, their stout defense was on full display too. They forced 12 turnovers, which resulted in 22 points. Milwaukee also dominated on second-chance opportunities, outscoring the Nets 16-6.

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From shooting the ball at a 38% clip from downtown to 46% from the field, it was an all-around impressive performance from the champs. Holiday is also probable for Thursday’s game, which is a good sign for their rotation. Miami is a much stronger defensive team than Brooklyn, but the Bucks will be coming in with lots of confidence.

Great Offseason For Miami

It was clear some changes needed to be made this summer in order to make the Heat contenders again. The organization did just that, bringing in Jimmy Butler’s good friend, Kyle Lowry, on a three-year deal after a successful stint with the Raptors. Miami now has a legitimate ball-handler in their backcourt who is tremendous on both sides of the ball. His chemistry with Butler should also be an instant hit.

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Aside from Lowry, the team was able to sign PJ Tucker, who just won a title with Milwaukee. His defensive tenacity is going to be huge for Erik Spoelstra’s squad and we saw just how important he was to the Bucks in the postseason. Duncan Robinson was locked up on an extension, while Markieff Morris brought his talents to South Beach, giving Miami more shooting.

Tyler Herro will be poised for a big Year 3 and is expected to be a key piece of the Heat. The ex-Kentucky star saw a boost in his numbers last season, but his three-point shooting took a notable dip. If he can take that next step and be a major contributor, it’s going to be dangerous for the rest of the Eastern Conference.

While preseason never means a whole lot, the Heat went 5-1, beating the Celtics in their most recent game last Friday. Herro went off in that contest, pouring in 25 points and connecting on 5-of-6 threes. Butler scored 25 points as well. In all areas, Miami has improved. That being said, It’s going to be interesting to see what they can do this season.

Bucks vs Heat Prediction

Milwaukee’s talent was on full display in their opener against a very good Brooklyn team. However, the Heat have a point to prove on Thursday. They were embarrassed in the first round just a number of months ago and will be poised to make their presence felt from day one in the East. Expect a great showing on both ends from Miami in a gritty victory on home court. The moneyline offers great value.

Pick: Miami Heat (+118)

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