Milwaukee Bucks vs Miami Heat Game 3 Predictions, Odds & Picks

• Game 2 between the Bucks and Heat was just the third time in NBA history that a game was decided via free throws without time left on the clock.
• The Miami Heat are one of two teams in the NBA Playoffs who remain undefeated.
• The Bucks are averaging just 80 field goal attempts per game, 10 fewer than their season average.

Bucks vs Heat Odds

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Bucks vs Heat Predictions and Picks

If it weren’t for some sketchy late calls, the Milwaukee Bucks could’ve brought the series level in Game 2. We see Milwaukee coming out with force in Game 3 and taking their first win of the series.

Picks:

Milwaukee Bucks def. Miami Heat -195

Milwaukee -5 -110

Over 223.5 -112

How to Watch Bucks vs Heat

Head-to-Head: Milwaukee Bucks vs Miami Heat

Milwaukee Have A Lot to Build Off Of

It was a heartbreaking loss for the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Second Round series against the Miami Heat. After giving away the game-winning free throws without time left on the clock, the Bucks left the court with a sombre attitude. Fortunately for the regular-season winners, they have a lot to feel positive about.

Despite being outscored from three-point range by 30, the Bucks were able to bring the game level late in the fourth. Milwaukee proved that their aggressiveness at the rim can be a game-changer, regardless of the Heat’s perimeter defence.

Converting on 33 of 39 free throws was almost a game saver for the Bucks. With maintained aggressiveness, some improved distance shooting, and better late-game execution, the Bucks could definitely bring home a win.

Miami’s Perimeter Defence is Elite

The Miami Heat are a well-drilled team by one of the NBA‘s best coaches in Erik Spoelstra. Top ten in the league in field-goal percentage allowed and field-goal attempts allowed, the Heat is always a threat on the defensive side of the ball.

It’s difficult for any team to contain the Bucks, but the Heat was able to trade their interior defence for a lockdown performance from the perimeter. Miami was able to hold their opponents to 7-25 shooting from three-point range. In fact, only four of the Bucks’ ten players to play even converted a three-point field goal attempt.

It’s unlikely that the Heat will be able to hold Milwaukee to such a poor shooting performance in Game 3, but the standard for performance is there for them. Eliminating Milwaukee’s production from the range will be key in keeping the Bucks at bay.

Bucks Key Player: (G) Wes Matthews

Great effort from Wes Matthews on this play vs. Butler. Doesn’t let Butler come off the pick, doesn’t let him reject, Heat have to go elsewhere. Bucks do a good job of handling the cuts on both sides…Bam just nails this one at the end of the clock. Huge shot. pic.twitter.com/id6tU4HE0t

— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) September 3, 2020

Wes Matthews is a veteran, three-and-d shooting guard with a history of defending the opposition’s most talented wing players. In-Game 2 against the Miami Heat, he was excellent defensively but left the Bucks wanting on the offensive end.

Matthews was just 2-8 from the field in Game 2, contributing only four points and four rebounds in 30 minutes of play. On the other hand, he held Jimmy Butler to 3-8 shooting and only 13 points after his 40-point Game 1 performance.

If Matthews can balance his production, the Bucks will be a much deadlier team in Game 3. A career 38% three-point shooter, Matthews needs to make an impact on the offensive end.

Heat Key Player: (F-C) Bam Adebayo

Bam Adebayo Alley oop Dunk From Tyler Hero #HeatTwitter pic.twitter.com/uWEIdTpsZ6

— Lucas Parmenter (@LucasParmenter) September 3, 2020

First-time All-Star Bam Adebayo has been fantastic for the Heat this season. An all-around player with versatility on both ends of the court, Adebayo is crucial in enforcing Miami’s intense defence.

Adebayo’s contributions were understated in Game 2 against the Milwaukee Bucks, but he always stuffs the stat sheet. Adebayo contributed 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and one steal. He did foul out of the game, but only after he knocked down a crucial mid-range jumper.

Adebayo doesn’t need to be a scorer for the Heat to win. But his impact defensively, particularly against Antetokounmpo in the paint, will define how successful the Heat can be.