The NBA Playoffs are finally here! Starting the postseason off will be a rematch from the playoffs seven months ago, with the Miami Heat taking on the Milwaukee Bucks. This NBA betting preview for the Heat vs Bucks NBA Playoffs Game 1 matchup will provide game info, betting trends, odds and a prediction for the game.
Heat vs Bucks Betting Preview and Prediction | NBA Playoffs Game 1
Miami Heat (40-32, 19-17) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (46-26, 26-10 Home)
Date: Saturday, May 22, 2021
Time: 2 pm EST
Venue: Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI
Coverage: ESPN
The Heat have been largely ignored this season, despite being a Finals team seven months ago. They went through a few rough patches this season, mostly due to injuries and COVID absences. However, they have ended the season winning eight of their last 10 games. Unfortunately, one of their two losses came against the Bucks.
The difference between this Bucks team and the past several seasons is that they have proven to be more than just the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. He has played well in losses and poorly in wins, which should actually bring some optimism to Milwaukee. The big acquisition was Jrue Holiday, who gives the Bucks the two-way player at point guard that they have needed. He has averaged 21.0 points, 7.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks over his past 10 games, lifting the Bucks to a 8-2 record during this span
Heat vs Bucks NBA Betting Odds
Moneyline: MIA: (+180) | MIL: (-215)
Spread: MIA: +5 (-110) | MIL: -5 (-110)
Total: 226.5 – Over: (-112) I Under: (-108)
To Win Series: MIA: (+240) | MIL: (-310)
RELATED | Printable 2021 NBA Playoffs Bracket and Schedule
Heat vs Bucks Betting Trends
- Miami is 5-1 against the spread (ATS) in its last six games
- The total has hit the over in 11 of Miami’s last 13 games
- Miami is 13-7 ATS in its last 20 games against Milwaukee
- Milwaukee is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games
- The total has hit the over in five of Milwaukee’s last seven games
- Milwaukee is 8-0 straight up in its last eight home games
Heat vs Bucks Prediction
After Holiday came out said the Bucks were simply more talented than the Heat, Milwaukee needs to back that up. I believe Holiday is correct, and I also believe the Bucks will prove it. These are very different teams from last September, because I believe the Bucks have improved, whereas it’d be tough to make that argument for the Heat. It doesn’t take a big win to cover the spread, so I’m picking the Bucks to do just that, though I am not expecting a double-digit win.
