After a downer against the Toronto Raptors, the Bucks are back at it tonight against the Miami Heat—one of the core four teams they hope to displace in the standings. Four games back in the loss column (seven in the win), the Bucks’ margin for error is slim, meaning tonight’s game carries extra weight. It’ll be no easy feat either, with the Heat on a three-game winning streak and winners of four out of their last five on the back of their offence, which is—mind the pun—red hot, averaging 126 PPG over that stretch. In their only other meeting this season, the Heat came out 106-103 victors on the back of Tyler Herro’s 29 points. All that said, if the Bucks have truly grown as a team, then they’ll bounce back and win tonight.
Where We’re At
Despite the blip against the Raptors, the Bucks are in a good place—as good as any they’ve been in all season, really. They’ve won six out of eight and had major contributions from across the roster. In fact, seven players are averaging double-digit points in this stretch (eight if you round up Ousmane Dieng’s 9.6 PPG). Over the last three, however, there’s one noticeable omission—AJ Green, who has flat-out struggled, putting up just 6.7 PPG, 1.7 RPG, and 2.7 APG, while shooting a lowly 29% from the field in 31.2 MPG. Of course, shooters go through rough patches and Green will find his stroke. It’s not as if his process has been poor, either. But when his shot isn’t falling, it sure stands out, especially when a certain small forward is languishing on the bench. If Green doesn’t find his form tonight, then the Bucks will struggle to win (and he just might lose his starting gig).
As mentioned, the Miami Heat are coming in hot—you don’t win four out of five by luck—but they have benefitted from a favourable schedule, collecting those wins against the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks, and Memphis Grizzlies—not exactly the NBA’s elite. Their only loss in that period also came at the hands of the unabashedly-trying-to-lose Utah Jazz. Opponents aside, like the Bucks, the Heat have relied on their offensive depth, with eight players putting up 10+ PPG and four others—Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, and Tyler Herro—going for between 19.0 and 20.4 points a night. As a result, they rank third in the league in offensive rating (120.7), while also ranking first in defensive rating (103.6) over this stretch. So, if the Bucks are going to be successful and make up much-needed ground in the standings, then they’ll have to put on a much better all-around showing than they offered against Toronto.
Injury Report
For the Bucks, Giannis (calf) and Taurean Prince (neck) remain out.
For the Heat, Terry Rozier (not with team) remains out, while Nikola Jovic (back) is doubtful and Davion Mitchell (illness) is questionable.
Player To Watch
Dieng was my player to watch against the New Orleans Pelicans and he remains my player to watch tonight. Five games into his Bucks career, he’s had two standout performances, one really solid one, one to forget about, and a garbage time outing that doesn’t really count. Everyone associated with the Bucks wants Dieng to succeed, to become the long-term solution at the three. Most want him to start there right now. And I don’t blame them; he’s the most tantalising prospect we’ve had in some time. But if any of these are going to come to fruition, then he needs a consistent role—and for that to happen he needs consistent minutes. Doc, all eyes are on you.
How To Watch
If you tune into FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 7:00 p.m. CST., then you’ll get to watch.
