Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat Game Preview: Out of the snow and returning to snow

NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat — Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

If they can travel, that is.

The Milwaukee Bucks return home to square off against the Miami Heat after yesterday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans was postponed due to the winter storm affecting the Bayou. They’ll look to have a repeat performance against Miami after defeating them 106-103 down in South Beach in November.

Where We’re At

There’s nothing like home cooking to help get on a winning run. The Bucks won all four games last week in their homestand and six of their last seven overall. The wins have come against teams competing for playoff spots (Magic, Kings, Spurs), teams that may as well get on a flight for Cancun now (Raptors), and a team that is a comedic mess (Sixers). Another win to have a firmer grip on the four seed would benefit the Bucks in the long term.

Meanwhile, things are very awkward down in Miami. HEAT CULTURE must mean the team is middling with a .500 record with a very uncertain future. Jimmy Butler is setting bridges on fire as he demanded a trade out of South Beach, but the Heat initially denied this request. Then Butler was suspended for seven games due to poor conduct and returned for three games but is now suspended again for two games, this time for missing a team flight. This gloom and dark cloud hangs over Miami until this situation is resolved.

Injury Report

The entire Milwaukee Bucks team is questionable: the Bucks are having difficulty leaving New Orleans and flying back to Wisconsin due to the residual effects of the storm. Per Tim Reynolds of the AP, the Bucks might not land until 4 p.m. today, so playing a game shortly afterward is difficult. But in all seriousness, Milwaukee hasn’t posted an injury report but Khris Middleton was probable for the Pelicans game, so he should be available tonight. Giannis was also probable, as was MarJon Beauchamp (non-Covid illness). AJ Green was sadly listed as out yesterday, but unsure about tonight.

For Miami, Tyler Herro is probable with groin tightness, and Kashad Johnson is questionable due to a shoulder injury. Josh Richardson will not play due to a heel injury. Obviously, Butler will not appear either.

Player To Watch

Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t play against Miami in the previous matchup between the two teams. The leading vote-getter for the All-Star game has had an excellent January with a 28.7 PPG, 12.6 RPG, and 6.2 APG. Miami will have Bam Adebayo guarding Giannis and will likely try to throw multiple defenders at him to slow him down.

How To Watch

TNT, truTV and Max at 6:30 p.m. CST.

Playback Streaming

We are streaming the game live on our Playback and YouTube channels; here’s how to watch with us:

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