Heat Look to Take 2-0 over Bucks

With a 1-0 series lead, the Miami Heat look to take a crucial two-game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. Miami defeated the Bucks 130-117 on Sunday to open the series. Tipoff is at 9 p.m.

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Heat Take Game One Behind Butler’s 35 Points

Jimmy Butler shined on Sunday with a game-high 35 points on 15-27 shooting. He added 11 rebounds and three steals in the win. Additionally, the Heat set a franchise playoff record for scoring as four of five starters finished in double figures. Meanwhile, Kevin Love (18 points) and Caleb Martin (15 points) added strong offensive nights while coming off the bench.

With 35 points & 11 assists, Jimmy was having his way on offense ☕️ pic.twitter.com/Fup5TqdGkC

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 17, 2023

Additionally, Milwaukee struggled to find rhythm after losing Giannis Antetokounmpo in the second quarter after he suffered a back injury. Khris Middleton scored a team-high 33 points while hitting 60% of his shots to alleviate the loss of Antetokounmpo. Bobby Portis added 21 points on 9-15 shooting in Antetokounmpo’s place. However, the Bucks struggled mightily from 3-point range with a measly 24.1% mark on 11-45 shooting.

Injury Report

After suffering a lower back contusion in the game one loss, Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable for game two. The two-time MVP suffered the injury in the first quarter while attempting to draw a foul on Kevin Love and was initially listed as doubtful on Tuesday night. After hitting his free throws, he checked out of the game and checked back in with just under 10 minutes left in the half. However, he checked back out about a minute later and never returned.

In 11 minutes of play, Antetokounmpo finished with six points on 2-4 shooting with three rebounds.

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For Miami, the Heat will be without guard Tyler Herro, who broke his right hand during Sunday’s game one victory. In the second quarter, Herro dove for a loose ball and landed awkwardly on his shooting hand. Herro said on Tuesday that he plans to have surgery on Friday and will be out four-to-six weeks. His earliest chance of return would be during the NBA Finals.

In 19 minutes played, Herro scored 12 points on 5-9 shooting and went 2-4 from beyond the arc. With him out for an extended period of time, the Heat will have to make a change in their starting lineup. They will either replace Herro with another guard or play with a bigger lineup by starting Love.

Tyler Herro was in pain after an apparent hand injury pic.twitter.com/k6OUQMt5JD

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 16, 2023

Future Schedule

The Bucks and the Heat will meet again in Miami on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. for game three with game four taking place on Monday. Television coverage for Saturday’s game is on ESPN.