Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks Game 5 Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Milwaukee Bucks were able to get their first win of the series in overtime of Game 4.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo is still listed as questionable for this match.
• Khris Middleton leads all scorers in the series with 26.3 points per game.

Heat vs Bucks Odds

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Heat vs Bucks Predictions and Picks

The Bucks were able to scrape out an overtime victory against the Heat in Game 4, but without Antetokounmpo we can’t see them taking another. Our choice definitely changes if the Greek Freak returns, but without him, we foresee the Miami Heat ending the series.

Picks:

Miami Heat def. Milwaukee Bucks -139

Miami -2.5 -110

Under 216 -109

How to Watch Heat vs Bucks

Head-to-Head: Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks

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Who Can Bounce Back for the Heat?

The Miami Heat have been playing excellent basketball, even in their most recent overtime loss. Unfortunately, even with Giannis out, they lost Game 4 against the Bucks. A big reason why was their lack of production from the bend.

Only Tyler Herro and Andre Iguodala played significant minutes off the bench for the Heat. Due to Milwaukee’s choice to go small, the Heat matched them with speed. Unfortunately, their usual mismatches weren’t available. Their bench unit, which drives their inside-outside play, contributed just 17 points on the night.

Depending on matchups, the Heat would happily accept more contributions from Kelly Olynyk or Andre Iguodala. While Iguodala is a great defender, 21 minutes of play with zero points to show for it simply isn’t enough. The Bucks want to run hard and go deep into their bench – the Heat must match their efforts.

Can Milwaukee Find the Same Shots Without Giannis?

The Milwaukee Bucks have a simple gameplan in all honesty. When Giannis has the ball, the attention he naturally brings opens up opportunities for shooters and cutters near the basket. Without him, Milwaukee went to a higher tempo game and came out on top.

In-Game 5 all the focus will be on what the Bucks can do without him. Khris Middleton carried the load for the Bucks after Antetokounmpo left with 19 points in 11 minutes of play. Middleton’s eight assists were key with the attraction he gained, but his teammates’ struggles are concerning.

After making only 11 threes – Middleton, Lopez, and Hill accounting for seven of them – the Bucks know they must convert on every open opportunity to stave off elimination. Eric Bledsoe in particular has been disappointing, as he went 0-6 from three in Game 4. Shooting opportunities can’t be squandered against the Heat and it will likely decide the Bucks’ fate.

Heat Key Player: (G) Goran Dragic

The Dragon remains unleashed in the postseason

27 points (9-15 FG), 6 rebounds & 5 assists for @Goran_Dragic
🔥🎥 #HEATHighlights pic.twitter.com/rVw0b4M190

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) September 1, 2020

The Slovenian point guard has been excellent for the NBA‘s last Florida representative. He’s emerged as a co-leader for the team alongside Jimmy Butler, and he’s had the production to show for it.

In-Game 4 Dragic was off the mark. He contributed 17 points and eight assists on 5-17 shooting and 1-9 shooting from the field. After an excellent first three games, he’s slowed a bit.

To take the series Dragic must make an impact in open play. He’s shown a thrilling ability in the open court, but his shooting from three must be consistent. Between the non-shooting of Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler in the starting lineup, Dragic can’t afford to be off the mark from deep.

Bucks Key Player: (F) Khris Middleton

KHRIS MIDDLETON’S DAGGER KEEPS THE BUCKS ALIVE! 🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/oTIXHCLcEP

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 6, 2020

The Milwaukee Bucks are a team dependant on their stars and with the Greek Freak out, Middleton steps up to the plate as the Wisconsin-based club’s last heavy hitter. Middleton, a two-time All-Star, is used to pressure, but likely never expected to have to lead his team in a do-or-die match against one of the Heat’s best.

Middleton was brilliant in Game 4, in Antetokounmpo’s stead. He scored 36 points and contributed eight assists, six rebounds, and two steals in almost 48 minutes of play. At times he was Milwaukee’s only source of creativity.

For the Bucks to take Game 5 he must be successful. His 36 points are fantastic, but if he can continue to get his teammates involved, and then rewarding him with made baskets, they will be able to stave off elimination in this match. All eyes are on Middleton.