Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 23, 2025

Two Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls square off in Wednesday’s Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks matchup, part of the NBA’s nine-game slate. The Bucks secured a narrow victory in their first meeting of the season back in November, winning 106-103.

The Heat are once again making headlines after suspending their disgruntled star Jimmy Butler for the second time in three weeks, following reports that he missed the team’s flight to Milwaukee on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.

Meanwhile, the Bucks are returning to action after their game against the New Orleans Pelicans was postponed. However, there are concerns over whether travel delays caused by icy conditions in New Orleans could affect their readiness.

Here’s a detailed preview of the Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks game, which tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

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Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction, Preview and Odds

Moneyline: Heat (+225) vs Bucks (-276)

Spread: Heat +7.5 (-110) vs Bucks -7.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): Heat o224.5 (-110) vs Bucks u224.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds for this game could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks preview

The Miami Heat continue to struggle amid the ongoing drama surrounding Jimmy Butler. They’ve dropped four of their last five games and have lost seven of their last 11 overall.

Despite their recent skid, the Heat remain in playoff contention, sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 21-21 record. Tyler Herro has stepped up as a consistent performer, and while Bam Adebayo’s form has dipped, rookie center Kel’el Ware has provided a spark with back-to-back 20-point games.

The Milwaukee Bucks, meanwhile, are firing on all cylinders, winning four straight games by double-digit margins. They’ve posted the league’s second-best net rating during this stretch, and Giannis Antetokounmpo has been in dominant form, averaging 32.0 points, 12.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists over the streak.

Recent trade rumors suggest the Bucks are eyeing Bradley Beal, but even as their roster currently stands, they’ve shaken off early-season inconsistencies and concerns over Khris Middleton’s health.

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Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks predicted starting lineups

For the Heat, Dru Smith is out for the season with an Achilles injury, Josh Richardson is out with a heel issue and Jimmy Butler is out due to suspension. Keshad Johnson (shoulder) and Tyler Herro (groin) are both listed as questionable.

For the Bucks, Khris Middleton (ankle), Giannis Antetokounmpo (patella) and MarJon Beauchamp (illness) are all questionable, while AJ Green is out with a quadriceps injury.

Heat

G - Terry Rozier | G - Duncan Robinson | F - Nikola Jovic | F - Bam Adebayo | C - Kel’el Ware

Bucks

G - Damian Lillard | G - Andre Jackson Jr. | F - Taurean Prince | F - Giannis Antetokounmpo | C - Brook Lopez

Editor's note: These are the predicted lineups and could change based on the availability of players.

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Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks betting props

• Damian Lillard to score over 23.5 points (-120 on DraftKings): Expect Lillard to surpass this total.
• Bam Adebayo to score under 14.5 points (-125 on DraftKings): Adebayo is unlikely to hit this mark.

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Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks prediction

With Miami dealing with numerous injuries and off-court distractions, the Bucks are in a strong position to secure a win. While the game could stay close, we predict Milwaukee covers the spread and extends their winning streak to five games.