The Milwaukee Bucks are heading to Miami for a crucial Eastern Conference showdown Saturday night, with oddsmakers giving them just a slight edge as 1-point favorites on the road.
Both teams are fighting for positioning as the regular season winds down, with the Bucks holding a 43-34 record while the Heat sit at 35-42.
Want to catch all the action? You can watch the game for free online.
The matchup tips off at 8 p.m. ET from the Kaseya Center in Miami, with NBA League Pass carrying the television broadcast.
Injuries could play a major role in this one. The Bucks are dealing with several key health concerns, including Damian Lillard who remains out indefinitely with a calf issue. Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as probable with a foot injury, as is AJ Green with a shoulder problem.
The Heat’s injury report looks even worse.
Tyler Herro (thigh), Duncan Robinson (back), and Haywood Highsmith (Achilles) are all questionable. Miami will definitely be without Nikola Jovic (hand), Kevin Love (personal), Andrew Wiggins (hamstring), and Dru Smith, who’s out for the season with an Achilles injury.
The Bucks haven’t been great on the road this season, posting an 18-20 record away from home. They’ve also struggled lately, going just 4-6 in their last 10 games.
But Milwaukee is coming off an impressive 126-113 comeback win against Philadelphia on Thursday. Giannis was absolutely dominant in that game, putting up 35 points, 17 rebounds, and a career-high 35 points – making him the first player in NBA history with that specific stat line.
There’s some good news on the horizon for Milwaukee fans. Damian Lillard might return to basketball activities in 7-10 days, while Bobby Portis will finish his suspension this weekend and should be back Tuesday.
Miami has been playing slightly better lately, going 6-4 in their last 10 games while averaging 113.2 points.
The Heat are still stinging from Thursday’s heartbreaker when Ja Morant hit a buzzer-beater to give Memphis a 110-108 win. Tyler Herro tried his best to prevent that outcome, dropping 35 points in the losing effort.
History isn’t on Miami’s side for this matchup. The Bucks have already beaten them three times this season and are looking to complete the season sweep. Miami hasn’t beaten Milwaukee since February 13, 2024.
The stats give Milwaukee the slightest of edges – ESPN’s Basketball Power Index says the Bucks have a 50.3% chance of winning.
But here’s an interesting wrinkle: Milwaukee is just 2-6 in their last eight road games against the Heat.
Then again, Miami has really struggled against Central Division teams, going 1-9 in their last 10 such matchups.
