Heat vs Bucks Odds, Lines & Picks (Feb. 24)

• The Heat and Bucks meet on Friday night
• This is the first game for both teams since the All-Star break
• Who takes this Eastern Conference affair? Find the Heat vs Bucks odds and picks below

It’s officially grind time across the NBA following the conclusion of the All-Star break last weekend. On Friday night, we have an intriguing Eastern Conference matchup between a possible contender in the Miami Heat (32-27, 13-17 away) and a legitimate title threat, the Milwaukee Bucks (41-17, 24-5 home). The tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET at Fiserv Forum. Keep reading for the Heat vs Bucks odds.

Miami is losers of two in a row coming into this contest, falling to the Brooklyn Nets last Wednesday. Milwaukee on the other hand still has a 12-game winning streak going. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo is doubtful to play here due to a wrist sprain.

Heat vs Bucks Odds

Despite the likely absence of Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are still slightly favored at -2 and own a 29-16-2 record as an ATS favorite. Even the moneyline at -126 offers value. The Heat come back at +108.

Miami has been the better team in this matchup in 2022-23, winning two of three meetings.

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Can Miami Turn It Around?

Being five games above .500 is by no means bad, but the Heat’s primary goal will be to lock down a top-six spot and avoid the play-in tournament. As of right now, they’re in seventh and sit a half game behind the Knicks who occupy sixth.

Miami did a nice job of getting better over the All-Star break as well by signing veteran big man Kevin Love, who gives them more depth behind Bam Adebayo. He’s great at stretching the floor and provides more three-point shooting. However, Kyle Lowry is out indefinitely with a knee injury, which is definitely a brutal blow. That being said, Gabe Vincent has been playing well and Tyler Herro is healthy again. There are enough weapons to make up for Lowry’s absence.

Kevin Love putting in work for the Heat. 🔥

pic.twitter.com/hgEN5PEjDv

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 21, 2023

Erik Spoelstra’s team comes into Friday with a 5-5 record in their last 10 outings and owns a 13-17 record on the road. But between their recent success against Milwaukee and The Greek Freak’s injury status, this is a clear chance to grab an important victory and end the Bucks’ red-hot play in the process.

Bucks Flawless at Home

For any team, it should always be an advantage to play at home. That’s definitely the case for Milwaukee, who is 24-5 at Fiserv Forum. In other words, practically unbeatable. But, Giannis did suffer a mild wrist sprain before the break and will be day to day for the time being. Thankfully, it’s not serious though.

Mike Budenholzer’s group is easily the best team in the Association at the moment because of this unbeaten run. The Bucks actually sit only a half game off the first-place Celtics in the East now and have every opportunity to still lock down that No. 1 seed. Plus, they play Boston one more time on March 30th.

Back to business. pic.twitter.com/e05P974mSM

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 23, 2023

Aside from Antetokounmpo’s absence, Wesley Matthews (calf) and Pat Connaughton (calf) are both also unavailable Friday. Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez, and Khris Middleton will be relied upon to shoulder the offensive load. Bobby Portis is expected to play as well for the first time since January 23rd.

Heat vs Bucks Prediction

No team is defined by one player, but The Greek Freak is far too important. Can the Bucks win games without him? Absolutely. But, I believe Miami will take advantage of a Giannis-less Milwaukee squad and take this one as they get started on the right foot in this stretch run.

Pick: Heat moneyline (+108)