Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Milwaukee Bucks (8-9) lock up in NBA Cup group play against the Miami Heat (7-7) Tuesday at Kaseya Center. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Bucks vs. Heat odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Bucks won 2-1 last season

The Bucks have won 4 straight after a 125-119 W over the Charlotte Hornets Saturday. They failed to cover as 8-point favorites. F Giannis Antetokounmpo had 32 points, 11 boards and 6 assists while G Damian Lillard added 31 points. After a rough start, they’ve now won 7 of 10.

The Heat held off the Dallas Mavericks Sunday in a 123-118 victory, covering as 2.5-point favorites. F Jimmy Butler had 33 points, 9 boards and 6 assists. C Bam Adebayo added 19 points and 11 boards while shooting 3-for-6 from distance. Miami has won 4 of 6.

Bucks at Heat odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 1:18 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Bucks +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Heat -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Bucks +2.5 (-115) | Heat -2.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Bucks at Heat key injuries

Bucks

  • F Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) probable
  • F Khris Middleton (ankle) out
  • F Taurean Prince (illness) probable

Heat

  • G Terry Rozier (foot) probable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Bucks at Heat picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 122, Heat 117

Moneyline

Here’s the tale of the tape for me. The Heat are the deeper team, but the Bucks have the high-end talent. What happens if Antetokounmpo gets Adebayo into foul trouble in the paint? The Heat will have to rely on outside shooting and fold.

This is a tight matchup, and I don’t like either side of the spread. I’ll take the value with the BUCKS +115 because this matchup is closer than Heat -140 would indicate.

Against the spread

As mentioned, I don’t like either side here at 2.5 points. I will take a chance on JIMMY BUTLER OVER 1.5 BLOCKS+STEALS (+115). His 0.5 steals line is set at -250, and I look for him to be on Lillard a lot and contest shots.

Over/Under

The Heat have gone Over in 3 of 4, and the Bucks went Over in 2 straight. The Over has cashed in 4 of the last 5 meetings between the squads.

Take the OVER 225.5 (-115).

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Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks battle the Miami Heat in Game 4 of their playoff series on Monday. Tip from Kaseya Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Bucks vs. Heat odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Milwaukee fell 121-99 in Game 3 failing to cover as a 2-point road favorite and going down 2-1 in the series. Without star F Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks struggled to compete. F Khris Middleton led the team with 23 points while only 3 other players scored in double digits. The Bucks led by as many as 7 before going down by as many as 29.

Miami had 6 players score in double digits with F Jimmy Butler leading the way with 30 points on 4-4 shooting from 3. Both C Bam Adebayo (12 points, 11 rebounds) and F Cody Martin (12, 11) had double-doubles in the blowout.

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Bucks at Heat odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:16 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Bucks -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Heat +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -5.5 (-115) | Heat +5.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Bucks at Heat key injuries

Bucks

  • F Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) questionable
  • G Wesley Matthews (calf) out

Heat

  • C Bam Adebayo (hamstring) probable
  • F Jimmy Butler (gluteus) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Bucks at Heat picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 116, Heat 109

Moneyline

PASS.

At -250 odds for a Bucks team that should see Antetokounmpo retake the floor, there is no value on the moneyline in this matchup.

Against the spread

LEAN BUCKS -5.5 (-115).

Even if Antetokounmpo is unable to play on Monday night, expect Middleton and G Jrue Holiday to pick up the slack. Middleton was the leading scorer in Game 3 and also scored more than 30 in Game 1. Holiday has been a key player for the Bucks recently accumulating 4 double-doubles in his last 5 games. The key for a Bucks cover will be breaking through the Miami defense that touts a banged-up Adebayo and Butler.

Over/Under

BET OVER 216.5 (-110).

The Over is 3-0 in the first 3 games of this series and 5-0 in the last 5 meetings between these teams.

The Over has hit 5 straight times for the Bucks and is 5-0 in their last 5 road games and has hit in 8 of the last 10 games for the Heat and is 3-2 in their last 5 home games.

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Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat Game 3 odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Miami Heat welcome the Milwaukee Bucks to the Kaseya Center Saturday. Tip in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Bucks vs. Heat odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Heat set the pace early in the series, beating the Bucks on their home court 130-117.

They came out a bit flatter in Game 2 but will still return home with a tied series. The Bucks won Game 2 138-122. The Heat were without G Tyler Herro while the Bucks were without two-time MVP F Giannis Antetokounmpo.

C Brook Lopez stepped up with a team-high 25 points as all 5 starters hit double figures. Both teams shot over 53% from the field in Game 2 as the 216.5 total was annihilated.

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Bucks at Heat odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Bucks -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Heat +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -4.5 (-115) | Heat +4.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Bucks at Heat key injuries

Bucks

  • G Tyler Herro (hand) out
  • G Kyle Lowry (knee) questionable

Heat

  • F Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Bucks at Heat picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 115, Heat 108

Moneyline

AVOID.

The Bucks were 22-4 during the regular season as a road favorite. Although the intensity will be higher, they should still come out on top.

At (-210), they are too expensive to play to win outright. Similarly, Milwaukee’s strengths make Miami’s (+170) not great value.

PASS on the moneyline.

Against the spread

BET BUCKS -4.5 (-115).

Assuming the Bucks get their 2-time MVP back, this is a good line to back them at. The Bucks were 16-7-3 ATS in the regular season as a road favorite, the 2nd-best covering rate in the league.

The Bucks finished 44-36-2 ATS this season. Miami was the 2nd-worst covering team at home as well, posting just a 15-26-2 ATS record. Those flaws will come back to haunt them.

Considering these season-long trends, take the BUCKS -4.5 (-115).

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 219.5 (-115).

Both games in this series have gone Over with both total having closed at 221 or lower. In both games, both teams have hit 115, and one team has hit 130.

The quality offense is on both ends, and the trends point to the Over as well. The Bucks are 8-2 O/U in their last 10 games. Miami is 7-2 O/U in its last 9 games.

Back the OVER 219.5 (-115).

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Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks (27-15) and Miami Heat (23-20) meet Saturday at Miami-Dade Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Bucks vs. Heat odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

These teams met Thursday as the Heat covered the spread as 5.5-point home favorites 108-102 and we predicted this game correctly, almost down to the exact score. Miami G Gabe Vincent scored a career-high 28 points as the Heat improved to a season-best 3 games over .500. Milwaukee G Jrue Holiday finished with 24 points and a game-high 11 assists in the absence of F Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) who is questionable to return to the lineup Saturday.

The Bucks are 10-4 straight up after a loss.

These teams have alternated wins and losses over the last 5 meetings, dating back to last season.

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Bucks at Heat odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Bucks +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Heat -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Bucks +4.5 (-115) | Heat -1.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Bucks at Heat key injuries

Bucks

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) questionable
  • Khris Middleton (knee) out

Heat

  • Tyler Herro (Achilles) questionable
  • Kyle Lowry (knee) out
  • Caleb Martin (quad) probable
  • Duncan Robinson (finger) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Bucks at Heat picks and predictions

Prediction

Heat 103, Bucks 102

Moneyline

PASS.

The Heat (-170) should win again Saturday, but the price on their moneyline is a little high considering Milwaukee has the 2nd-best winning percentage in the league coming off a loss (71.4%). Bet the spread or total instead.

Against the spread

BET BUCKS +4.5 (-115).

The Bucks should bounce back after blowing a 15-point lead Thursday. The last time the Bucks blew a lead of 15 or more points was Dec. 28 in a 119-113 overtime loss at the Chicago Bulls. In Milwaukee’s next game on Dec. 30, it covered as a 7.5-point home favorite in a 123-114 win vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves. Look for the Bucks to cover Saturday in a similar spot.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 213.5 (-108).

The Under is 4-1 in Milwaukee’s last 5 games and 4-0 in Miami’s last 4 games following a win in its previous game. These teams historically play low-scoring games vs. each other as the Under is 23-9-1 in the last 33 meetings in Miami and Saturday should be another low-scoring affair.

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Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks (27-14) and Miami Heat (22-20) meet Thursday at The Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Bucks vs. Heat odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Bucks covered the spread as 4.5-point favorites Wednesday with a 114-105 win at the Atlanta Hawks. G Jrue Holiday scored a game-high 27 points as Milwaukee improved to 4-1 in its last 5 games. The Bucks are 5-0 against the spread (ATS) in their last 5 games when playing the 2nd night of a back-to-back.

The Heat failed to cover as 2-point home favorites in a 112-111 win vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder Tuesday. F Jimmy Butler hit the game-winning free throw with 12 seconds remaining as Miami set an NBA record by making all 40 of its free throw attempts.

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Bucks at Heat odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:42 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Bucks +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Heat -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Bucks +3.5 (-105) | Heat -3.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Bucks at Heat key injuries

Bucks

  • Not yet submitted

Heat

  • Bam Adebayo (wrist) probable
  • Tyler Herro (Achilles) out
  • Kyle Lowry (knee) out
  • Caleb Martin (quad) out
  • Duncan Robinson (finger) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Bucks at Heat picks and predictions

Prediction

Heat 107, Bucks 103

Moneyline

BET HEAT (-160).

This is the 1st game of 4 meetings this season with another game set for Saturday. The Bucks and Heat alternated wins and losses over the last 4 meetings last season with Milwaukee winning the last matchup 120-119 at Fiserv Forum March 2. The Heat should be able to take advantage of being the better-rested team at home while also getting back C Bam Adebayo (wrist) who missed Tuesday’s game vs. the Thunder.

Against the spread

PASS.

This spread is right where it should be and the cover may come down to free throws on late take fouls. Bet the moneyline or total instead.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 217.5 (-110).

The Under is 4-1 in Miami’s last 5 games and 4-1 in Milwaukee’s last 5 after scoring 100 or more points in its previous game. These teams historically have played well defensively vs. each other and the Under is 22-9-1 in the last 32 meetings in Miami.

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Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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

  • 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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Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat Game 4 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat Game 4 NBA odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The 3-seed Milwaukee Bucks (3-0) go for a sweep against the Miami Heat (0-3) Saturday in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at American Airlines Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Bucks-Heat odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.

Not only are the Bucks up 3-0, but they are thoroughly dominating this series from a statistical standpoint as well.

Milwaukee is owning the glass—31.3% in offensive-rebounding rate compared to Miami’s 17.3%—and outshooting the Heat 54.1% to 44.9% in effective field-goal percentage.

No one on Miami has gotten it going offensively and Milwaukee SF Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it a point to shut down SF Jimmy Butler, who’s averaging just 15.3 points per game on 40.4% true shooting (.306/.308/.667).

Bucks at Heat: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:26 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Bucks -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Heat +160 (bet $100 to win $160)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Bucks -4.5 (-115) | Heat +4.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under: 221.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Bucks at Heat: Key injuries

Bucks

  • SF Giannis Antetokounmpo (groin) probable

Heat

  • None

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Bucks at Heat: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Bucks 116, Heat 103

Money line (ML)

PASS even though Milwaukee is clearly the right side because I’d rather just lay it with the Bucks -4.5 (-115) than play the money line of -190.

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Against the spread (ATS)

GIMME the BUCKS -4.5 (-115) for 1 unit because they are imposing their will on the Heat with size and defensive tenacity.

Everyone in Milwaukee’s starting five has a defensive rating of 99 or below and Miami doesn’t have a key contributor taller than 6-foot-10 whereas the Bucks have a legit 7-footer in C Brook Lopez and Giannis stands at 6-10.

Furthermore, Bucks’ first-year PG Jrue Holiday seems to be worth the draft capital Milwaukee sent to the New Orleans Pelicans for him, and the massive contract he was signed to following his arrival to the Bucks.

Holiday is averaging 16.7 points per game on 52.5% shooting, 7.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists per game with a plus-30 net rating in this series.

Equally as important is how Holiday is defending Heat starting PG Goran Dragic, who has a minus-13 net rating and just 2.3 assists per game.

Finally, I don’t see a gentleman’s sweep in this series (when the team up 3-0 gives up Game 4 but goes on to win the series 4-1 in Game 5) because of the embarrassing nature of Milwaukee’s upset loss to Miami last postseason in the bubble.

Over/Under (O/U)

“LEAN” to the UNDER 221.5 (-110) for a half unit because that’s where the “sharp” side of the market is betting and Miami could turn Game 4 into a “rock fight” since it cannot shoot the ball like last season in the bubble.

According to Pregame.com, nearly 70% of the money wagered is on the Under, but a majority of the bets placed have been on the Over. Typically in sports gambling, it’s wiser to follow the money rather than the crowd.

Also, Miami is 11th in 3-point shooting this postseason and 19th during the regular season whereas the Heat were second in 3-point shooting last season.

Miami played at the second-slowest pace during the regular season and it should slow this game down since the Heat will probably get scorched if Game 5 turns into a shootout.

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Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat Game 3 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks Game 3 odds and lines, with NBA picks, tips and predictions.

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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Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Milwaukee Bucks (2-2) face the Miami Heat (1-2) Wednesday at the American Airlines Arena in the second of a back-to-back coming off of a 47-point Bucks beatdown yesterday. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Bucks-Heat NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Bucks at Heat: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:30 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Bucks -225 (bet $225 to win $100) | Heat +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Bucks -5.5 (-110) | Heat +5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 226.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Bucks at Heat: Key Injuries

Bucks

  • SF Torrey Craig (nose) questionable

Heat

  • SF Jimmy Butler (ankle) questionable

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Bucks at Heat: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Bucks 124, Heat 113

Money line (ML)

PASS ON THE MONEY LINE. The Bucks are the right side, but my personal rule is to stay away from regular-season money line favorites of -150 or more.

Against the spread (ATS)

Tuesday’s Bucks-Heat game was the first meeting between the two since Miami upset Milwaukee just a few months earlier in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Bucks got the most revenge it could in a regular-season game by scorching the Heat 144-97.

Milwaukee set a record for most 3-pointers made by a team in a game and won all four quarters by at least 7 points despite reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring just 9 points.

Newly acquired PG Jrue Holiday put up 24 points on 9-for-15 shooting, had a 7-0 assist/turnover ratio and 3 steals and All-Star Khris Middleton added 25 points on 10-for-13 shooting. The Heat were without All-Star Jimmy Butler, but it’s not like Butler would’ve made up for the 47-point deficit.

On one hand, Milwaukee’s massacre of the Heat Tuesday doesn’t accurately reflect the gap between what these teams will end up being. On the other hand, the Bucks are on a mission, and the Heat is at the top of their checklist.

I am willing to lay the points and BET BUCKS -5.5 (-110) for 1.25 units because there have been so many blowouts thus far in the NBA season, and Milwaukee is so much more buttoned-up at the moment than Miami.

There’s a confluence of obvious reasons why the Heat’s home-court edge has been lessened this season so I’m throwing out Miami’s incredible home/road splits from the last year.

Also, if Butler cannot go in tonight’s game, then Miami just doesn’t have enough defense to prevent another Bucks stomping. If Butler does play, I’d honestly still make the bet but just a smaller wager.

Over/Under (O/U)

It’s tough to envision much of a bounce-back performance from the Heat defensively when you keep in mind how many Bucks hit 3-pointers and that Miami held Giannis to single-digits.

Plus the Heat only shot 29.7% from behind the arc yesterday but had the second-highest 3-point percentage in the NBA last year. The Bucks are shooting an NBA-high 40 threes per game so unless both teams have an off-shooting night the OVER 226.5 (-110) should be a plus-EV bet. I’d bet the Bucks ATS heavier than the total, however.

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Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Milwaukee Bucks (1-2) take a trip to meet the Miami Heat (1-1) Tuesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at American Airlines Arena. Below, we analyze the Bucks-Heat NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Bucks at Heat: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 5:10 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Bucks -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Heat +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Bucks -4.5 (-120) | Heat +4.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under: 223.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Bucks at Heat: Key Injuries

Heat

  • PF Jimmy Butler (ankle) doubtful

Special NBA Betting Promotion!

Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV.

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Bucks at Heat: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Bucks 113, Heat 106

Money line (ML)

The Bucks (-200) will cost you two times your potential return. Last season it wouldn’t have been such a bad choice, but this season it’s a risky play with Milwaukee stumbling out of the chute with two losses in three games, including a stunning 20-point loss in New York Sunday. AVOID.

Against the spread (ATS)

The BUCKS -4.5 (-120) are worth a small-unit play, even after falling by 20 to the lowly Knicks last time out. The Heat might be without Jimmy Buckets for this one as he is nursing an ankle ailment. You’ll be going against the series trends here. Miami is 7-2 ATS in the past nine home games against the boys from Cream City, and 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings overall.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 223.5 (-110) is the lean in this battle as we’ve seen it hit frequently in this series in the past. Plus, Butler is doubtful, and that’s a big chunk of offense from a Miami team which is struggling to put points on the board during the early going.

The Under has connected in nine of the past 13 in this series. Plus, the Under is 11-5-2 in Miami’s previous 18 against teams with losing records.

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Hoops Hype: 

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