Bucks vs Heat Odds: Will Giannis Play in Game 2?

Milwaukee Still 9-Point Favorite Despite Giannis' Uncertainty

In a game marred by injuries, the eighth-seeded Miami Heat stunned the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks 130-117 on the road to begin their Eastern Conference first-round series. As the teams prepare to meet again on Wednesday (9 p.m. ET, NBA TV), Giannis Antetokounmpo’s availability remains uncertain.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the Bucks vs Heat odds for Game 2.

Bucks logoGiannis’ Availability In Question

Looming over Game 2 is the health of Antetokounmpo, who played only 11 minutes on Sunday due to a back contusion. While tests on the Milwaukee superstar’s back came back clean, he did not practice Monday.

The injury occurred with 4:13 left in the first quarter of Game 1, when Antetokounmpo landed hard on his back while drawing a blocking foul on Kevin Love. Antetokounmpo briefly remained in the game, before heading to the locker room.

He attempted to return in the second quarter but lasted only over a minute, however, and left again with 8:33 remaining in the half. Antetokounmpo did not reappear in the second half, finishing with six points and three rebounds.

With Milwaukee staring at a 1-0 deficit in the series, there is reportedly optimism that Antetokounmpo, who averaged 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists this season per NBA player stats, will play in Game 2. However, his status continues to be a situation worth monitoring.

Antetokounmpo missed the first two games against Miami this season, both Heat victories. The Milwaukee Bucks were 11-8 in the two-time Most Valuable Player’s absence. Should he remain out, Bobby Portis, who finished with 21 points and eight rebounds in Game 1, will likely start in his place.

Heat logoMiami’s Offense ‘Heat’ing Up

Miami was far from dynamic offensively during the NBA regular season. In fact, the Heat ranked last in the NBA in scoring (109.5 points per game), 26th in shooting efficiency (46%) and 25th in assists (23.8 per game). Despite that, the Heat had no such issues in Game 1.

Jimmy Butler poured in a game-high 35 points, 12.1 above his season average, while Bam Adebayo scored 22. Kevin Love, Gabe Vincent, Caleb Martin and Tyler Herro, who will be out indefinitely after breaking his right hand, all joined them in double figures. The 130 points matched Miami’s third-highest output in a game this season. Because of that, the teams blew past the projected total of 219 combined points.

Miami’s success can’t be discounted, even with Antetokounmpo’s injury. The Miami Heat hit 15 3-pointers and shot 59.5% from the floor against the NBA’s fourth-ranked defense. They also had little trouble getting to the foul line, converting 15 of their 21 attempts.

Handicapping Game 2

Oddsmakers seem confident in Antetokounmpo’s health, as Milwaukee is currently listed as a 9-point favorite for Game 2. That matches the Bucks vs Heat odds from Sunday. The Bucks are also -400 on the moneyline, with Miami priced at +320. The over/under is 221.5.

With the series set to shift to Miami, expect the Bucks — the NBA title favorites entering the playoffs — to come out with a greater sense of urgency. They can ill afford to fall further behind the Heat, who were 27-14 at home this season.

While Milwaukee is still favored (-270) to win the series, most sportsbooks now expect it to go at least six (+275), if not seven games (+225). Notably, No. 2 seed Boston has overtaken Milwaukee as the Eastern Conference favorite.

Miami has played in 54 clutch games this season (second-most in the NBA), and it won’t be fazed playing in a pressure-packed environment. Milwaukee needs to respond.

For Bucks vs Heat odds, NBA betting lines, analysis and more, visit pointspreads.com.

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