After their game on Wednesday was postponed due to a winter storm in New Orleans, the Milwaukee Bucks aim to return to the court on Thursday night as they host the visiting Miami Heat.
Milwaukee Bucks
Travel Challenges: The Athletic reported that the Bucks were unable to return to Milwaukee on Wednesday night due to the storm. The team plans to fly back early on Thursday to ensure they are ready to face Miami.
Recent Performance: Milwaukee has not played since Sunday, concluding a perfect four-game homestand with a 123-109 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Bucks have been on a roll, winning seven of their last eight games.
Key Players:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: Leading the way with an average of 31.5 points and 12 rebounds per game, Antetokounmpo scored 34 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the win against Philadelphia.
- Damian Lillard: Averaging 7.1 assists per game, Lillard was pivotal in Milwaukee’s previous win over Miami, scoring 37 points and dishing out 12 assists.
- Brook Lopez: Contributing 1.9 blocks per game, Lopez is a key defensive presence for the Bucks.
Injury Report:
- AJ Green: Listed as day-to-day with a groin injury.
- Khris Middleton: Probable with ankle issues.
- MarJon Beauchamp: Probable with illness.
Miami Heat
Recent Performance: The Heat are already in Milwaukee following a 116-107 home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, marking their fourth defeat in five games.
Suspension: Miami will be without Jimmy Butler, who has been suspended for two games for “continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct and conduct detrimental to the team, including missing today’s team flight to Milwaukee.”
Key Players:
- Duncan Robinson: Led the Heat with 22 points against Portland.
- Kel’el Ware: Recorded 20 points and 15 rebounds in the same game.
- Tyler Herro: Averaging 24 points and 5 assists per game, Herro is expected to play despite a groin injury.
- Bam Adebayo: Leading the team with 9.7 rebounds per game.
Injury Report:
- Jimmy Butler: Suspended.
- Tyler Herro: Probable with a groin injury.
- Josh Richardson: Out with a heel injury.
- Keshad Johnson: Questionable with a shoulder injury.
- Dru Smith: Out for the season with an Achilles injury.
Offensive Struggles: The Heat have struggled offensively without Butler and a depleted roster, failing to force a turnover in the first half against Portland. They are the NBA’s lowest-scoring team, averaging 103.9 points per game.
Previous Matchup:
The Bucks and Heat have faced off once this season, with Milwaukee winning 106-103 on the road on November 26. In that game, Lillard shone with 37 points and 12 assists, while Butler led Miami with 23 points, and Herro added 18.
This matchup sees the Bucks looking to extend their winning streak and capitalize on Miami’s struggles, while the Heat aim to overcome adversity and find a way to secure a crucial win.
