The Miami Heat are one of the last teams to open their season as they host the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks (1-0) Thursday. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET at FTX Arena. Below, we look at the Bucks vs. Heat odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Bucks played in the league’s season opener at home Tuesday when they defeated the Brooklyn Nets 127-104. F Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists, while F/G Khris Middleton added 20 points and 9 boards.
The Heat begin their season after trading for PG Kyle Lowry and signing F P.J. Tucker and F Markieff Morris in the off-season, giving them more firepower and toughness to help F Jimmy Butler. They finished 40-32 last season and made the playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference but were swept by the Bucks in the first round.
Bucks at Heat odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:05 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Bucks -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Heat +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -2.5 (-112) | Heat +2.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Bucks at Heat key injuries
Bucks
- F Bobby Portis (hamstring) out
- SG Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out
- SF Rodney Hood (foot) out
- PG Jrue Holiday (heel) probable
Heat
- PG Victor Oladipo (knee) out
Bucks at Heat odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 112, Heat 104
Money line
The Bucks picked up where they left off last year in winning the championship with a big win at home over the Nets. They were 2-1 last season against the Heat in the regular season before sweeping them in four games in the first round of the playoffs, going 3-1 overall in Miami. The Bucks were only okay on the road last season as they finished 20-16 overall.
The Heat debut their season with their new roster. Gone is G Goran Dragic and in is Lowry at point guard. They were 21-15 at home.
With the Bucks already looking like they were in rhythm in their season opener, take MILWAUKEE (-140).
Against the spread
The Bucks finished at 46-49 ATS last season, including the playoffs, and had one of the worst road ATS records in the league at 20-28 ATS.
The Heat were 35-39-2 ATS overall last season and 15-21-2 ATS at home.
With a Bucks team playing well with a lot of continuity and a Heat team that will need to find its way with new players, take the BUCKS -2.5 (-112).
Over/Under
The Bucks allowed only 104 points in their season opener but rolled against the Nets and their notoriously porous defense for 127.
All three of their regular-season games last year, but just one of their four meetings in the postseason, had totals higher than tonight’s projected number.
However, I expect the Heat to be able to limit the Bucks more than the Nets did. It won’t be enough to beat them but Milwaukee will have to battle in a lower-scoring game.
Take UNDER 223.5 (-112).
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