The NBA Playoffs are officially here, with the first game tipping off on Saturday afternoon. This first game features a rematch from last postseason, with the Miami Heat taking on the Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat vs. Bucks NBA betting picks preview will give an overview of these teams, the betting odds, trends and give an official prediction for the NBA Playoffs Round 1 series.
Heat vs. Bucks Betting Preview: NBA Picks & Odds for Round 1 Playoffs
Heat vs. Bucks Series Info
Miami Heat (40-32) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (46-26)
Game 1: 5/22, 2 EST, ESPN
Game 2: 5/24, 7:30 EST, TNT
Game 3: 5/27, 7:30 EST, TNT
Game 4: 5/29, 1:30 EST, TNT
Game 5: 6/1, TBD*
Game 6: 6/3, TBD*
Game 7: 6/5, TBD*
*If needed
Heat vs. Bucks NBA Betting Odds
Odds for Heat vs. Bucks NBA Playoffs Round 1 series are from BetMGM Sportsbook.
Series Winner — MIA: (+225) | MIL: (-275)
Series will end in how many games?
- 4 Games (+400)
- 5 Games (+210)
- 6 Games (+225)
- 7 Games (+260)
What will the correct score of the series be?
Bucks:
- 4-0 (+450)
- 4-1 (+280)
- 4-2 (+325)
- 4-3 (+400)
Heat:
- 4-0 (+3500)
- 4-1 (+2000)
- 4-2 (+900)
- 4-3 (+800)
Heat vs. Bucks NBA Playoffs Preview
The Heat have been largely ignored this season, despite being a Finals team seven months ago. They went through a few rough patches this season, mostly due to injuries and COVID absences. However, they have ended the season winning eight of their last 10 games. Unfortunately, one of their two losses came against the Bucks.
The difference between this Bucks team and the past several seasons is that they have proven to be more than just the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. He has played well in losses and poorly in wins, which should actually bring some optimism to Milwaukee. The big acquisition was Jrue Holiday, who gives the Bucks the two-way player at point guard that they have needed. He has averaged 21.0 points, 7.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks over his past 10 games, lifting the Bucks to a 8-2 record during this span
Heat vs. Bucks NBA Betting Trends
- Miami is 5-1 against the spread (ATS) in its last six games
- The total has hit the over in 11 of Miami’s last 13 games
- Miami is 13-7 ATS in its last 2o games against Milwaukee
- Milwaukee is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games
- The total has hit the over in five of Milwaukee’s last seven games
- Milwaukee is 8-0 straight up in its last eight home games
Heat vs. Bucks Prediction
The big difference between last postseason and the current one is Holiday. His leadership and ability to take pressure off of Giannis, both offensively and defensively, will allow the MVP to play more free while also keeping the ship steady throughout. The Bucks struggled with playing four full quarters last year, but they are more than a one-man team this time around.
Series Prediction: Bucks 4, Heat 2
Heat vs. Bucks Best Bet
Bucks to win Game 1 and Bucks to win the series (-155) BetMGM
The Bucks to win this series is -275, so taking them to also win Game 1 in this double bet is the way to go. The role players of Milwaukee have improved to be on par with Miami, while Giannis is the best player on the floor. The Bucks have improved since last August, and the same cannot be said for the Heat, which is why Milwaukee should be expected to get their revenge this year.
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