In a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Milwaukee Bucks square off with the Miami Heat on Tuesday night. Reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will be out to exact some revenge on the Heat team that overcame the NBA odds and eliminated them from last year’s postseason. The NBA betting odds for the game have sided with Milwaukee as a road favorite.
Bucks vs Heat Game Info
Milwaukee Bucks (1-2, 0-2 Away) at Miami Heat (1-1, 1-0 Home)
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020
Venue: AmericanAirlines Arena – Miami, FL
Start Time: 7:30 p.m. EST
TV: TNT
Bucks vs Heat Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of Bovada Sportsbook
Moneyline: MIL: (-220) | MIA: (+180)
Spread: MIL: -5.5 (-110) | MIA: +5.5 (-110)
Total: 226 – Over (-110) | Under (-110)
Bucks vs Heat NBA Betting Overview
Bucks Outlook
It hasn’t exactly been the start Bucks fans were hoping for, after the team signed two-time reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to a supermax extension before the season. Milwaukee comes into Tuesday night’s game having lost two of their first three games. Coming up short against the lowly New York Knicks might have been a fluke, but it’s a loss that has many fans already starting to panic. Of course, Milwaukee would love nothing more than to cruise into South Beach, pick up a win, and cover the NBA betting odds against the team that ousted them from the playoffs last year.
Slow start aside, one can’t deny that the Bucks have assembled a Finals-worthy roster around Antetokounmpo with the likes of Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Donte DiVincenzo.
Bucks Injury Report
- Out: Torrey Craig (nasal fracture)
Heat Outlook
The Heat suffered a major loss in their Christmas Day game against the New Orleans Pelicans, when Jimmy Butler exited with an ankle injury. It didn’t much matter, as Miami showed the same resiliency that was on display throughout the postseason last year, coming away with a double-digit victory and covering the NBA betting odds.
Six Heat players scored in double figures on Christmas, showing that this team runs far deeper than just their go-to star. Guard Duncan Robinson was electric, frontcourt menace Bam Adebayo was steady, and even defensive-minded veteran Avery Bradley chipped in a dozen points in his Heat debut. Miami has also gotten solid production from rookie first-round draft pick Precious Achiuwa in each of its first two games.
Heat Injury Report
- Doubtful: Jimmy Butler (ankle)
- Probable: Gabe Vincent (knee)
Bucks vs Heat NBA Betting Trends
- Bucks 2020-21 Betting Trends: 1-2 ATS; 3-0 to the Over
- Heat 2020-21 Betting Trends: 1-1 ATS; 1-1 to the Over
Bucks vs Heat Statistics
- Milwaukee is averaging 123.0 points per game this season (No. 2 in the NBA)
- Milwaukee is surrendering 117.0 points per game on the season (No. 21 in the NBA)
- Miami is averaging 109.0 points per game this season (Tied for No. 19 in the NBA)
- Miami is surrendering 105.5 points per game this season (No. 5 in the NBA)
Bucks vs Heat Prop Bet
Goran Dragic Over 5.5 Assists (-118 at Bovada Sportsbook)
I’m not sure if it’s directly related to his missing out on last year’s NBA Finals due to injury or what, but the NBA betting market continues to undervalue the passing abilities of Heat point guard Goran Dragic early on in the 2020-21 season. For those who followed along with my Christmas Day slate over on Monkey Knife Fight, you would know that I loved the value on Dragic catching assists in his NBA DFS props matchup. One has to believe that Jimmy Butler being forced out of that game against New Orleans only aided the cause.
In Miami’s first two games, Dragic has now recorded 7 and 9 assists respectively, despite only averaging 26.5 minutes of action. He may be 34 years of age, but he is still getting it done. Assists come naturally when orchestrating an offense that is stacked full of young playmakers, from sharpshooters Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro to big man Bam Adebayo. For tonight’s NBA betting prop play, look for the savvy veteran to continue his strong start to the season and dish out another half dozen or more dimes against the Bucks on Tuesday night.
