The 3-seed Milwaukee Bucks and 6-seed Miami Heat play Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series Thursday at American Airlines Arena in Miami. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Bucks vs. Heat odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
The Bucks narrowly escaped in Game 1 in overtime after a brutal shooting performance from long distance and from the free-throw line. They bounced back big time and rolled the Heat 132-98 in Game 2.
The Heat surprised the Bucks last season in the bubble, but they look to be in trouble heading home. Miami shot just 40% from the field in Game 2, including 29% from the perimeter and only 69% from the charity stripe.
Bucks at Heat: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:45 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Bucks -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Heat +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Against the spread/ATS: Bucks -2 (-110) | Heat +2 (-110)
- Over/Under: 225.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Bucks at Heat: Key injuries
Bucks
- Nothing affecting gambling odds.
Heat
- Nothing affecting gambling odds.
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Bucks at Heat: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Heat 113, Bucks 109
Money line (ML)
The HEAT (+110) are a strong play for the bounce-back in Game 3. While I feel this will likely be their only victory of the series, I expect Miami to shoot a lot better from behind the arc and at the free-throw line than they did in Cream City.
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Against the spread (ATS)
The HEAT +2 (-110) is a better play straight up, as catching a bucket doesn’t really make much of a difference, but costs you a little more of your potential winnings. Play the money line for better value.
Over/Under (O/U)
UNDER 225.5 (-105) is the slight lean here, although don’t go crazy. Milwaukee just dropped 132 on Miami in Game 2, and they averaged a healthy 120.1 PPG in the regular season to lead the NBA. However, Miami kept them in check in Game 1 and ranked fifth in points allowed in the regular season. Expect a much better defensive effort on their home court.
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