Milwaukee Bucks (35-19) host a limited Miami Heat (28-25) tonight. However, the greater concerns lie on the visiting team’s side. Despite possessing winning records in the East, issues remain. From South Beach, their woes stay the same. Jimmy Butler is one of the best players in the NBA. But his name stays out of the lineup due to family/personal concerns. Additionally, the home team is banged up. Although, they came off a dominant win against a talented Denver Nuggets team. Regardless, the spread is just in reach for bettors to be weary of a letdown.
Depending on the final injury reports, which side will you err on tonight?
Milwaukee Bucks vs Miami Heat Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Milwaukee Bucks | -8 -112 |
O 222.5 -112 |
-345 |
| Miami Heat | +8 -108 |
U 222.5 -108 |
+275 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Miami Heat @ Milwaukee Bucks
Date And Time: February 13, 2024 @ 8:00 p.m. EST
Location: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Key Stats
Milwaukee Bucks (Averages)
Points: 118.9
Points Allowed: 118.9
Field Goal Efficiency: 44.1/93.3 for 47.3%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.0/34.4 for 35.0%
Free Throw Efficiency:18.6/22.9 for 81.1%
Rebounds: 10.8 Offensive, 33.4 Defensive, 44.2 Combined
Assists: 26.4
Steals: 6.8
Blocks: 4.2
Turnovers: 11.4
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 44.1/93.3 for 47.3%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 12.0/34.4 for 35.0%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 18.6/22.9 for 81.1%
Rebounds Against: 10.8 Offensive, 33.4 Defensive, 44.2 Combined
Despite playing on back-to-back nights, the home team expects to see Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo on the floor tonight. However, Brook Lopez remains questionable while dealing with a back issue. His status needs to be monitored up until tip-off. Pat Connaughton looks likely to play. Despite a left knee contusion, the former player out of Notre Dame is probable for the Milwaukee Bucks. Khris Middleton is out.
Milwaukee looked like one of the best teams last night. While facing Denver, everything clicked. Notably, the defense looked good, despite concern under new Head Coach Doc Rivers. But it remains to be seen if this is a new trend or a quick fad for this roster. The being, playing defense.
Miami Heat (Averages)
Points: 110.4
Points Allowed: 110.8
Field Goal Efficiency: 39.5/85.7 for 46.1%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.3/33.3 for 37.0%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.9/23.0 for 82.3%
Rebounds: 9.7 Offensive, 32.5 Defensive, 42.1 Combined
Assists: 25.8
Steals: 7.2
Blocks: 3.2
Turnovers: 12.2
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.8/86.1 for 47.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against:13.5/37.0 for 36.6%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 15.6/20.4 for 76.5%
Rebounds Against: 9.3 Offensive, 33.6 Defensive, 43.0 Combined
It’s tough sledding without Butler. Although that is a secondary concern to what he is going through with loved ones, the Miami Heat face a test tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks. Terry Rozier also remains out for the fixture. Bam Adebayo keeps the score hopefully respectable for the visitors down low. But ultimately, there will likely not be enough scoring for this team.
Although they shoot the three-ball well, this team struggles to score enough points. Particularly against a talented Milwaukee Bucks team that is looking to prove a point on defense, this is bad timing. However, if Tyler Herro can get hot from range, they could threaten the spread.
Game Prediction
Unfortunately for Miami, they are facing Milwaukee Bucks at a bad time. Especially with Coach Rivers implementing his schemes and plans, it may get rough. Last night they played well on defense and got in transition. While it remains to be seen if this will last, tonight it most likely will.
Additionally, the spread is too close for comfort. With Jimmy Butler, I’d place the spread around 5-5.5 points but 8 is generous given the circumstances for the Milwaukee Bucks. Scoring will likely be easier to come by than anticipated though. Therefore, I like the over.
Final Pick
Milwaukee Bucks -8 and O 222.5
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! For more great content, check us out on X @TotalApexSports. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Make sure you follow us on NewsBreak as well.
