The Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat cap off their head-to-head matchup for the 2022-23 season in downtown Milwaukee. The Heat are ahead, 2-1, and look good to collect the regular season series win as Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently considered day-to-day due to a wrist injury.

Catch the game tomorrow at 8:30 AM, Manila time.

HOME: Milwaukee Bucks (41-17, 24-5 HOME)

Projected starting five:

• Jrue Holiday
• Pat Connaughton (day-to-day) / Jevon Carter
• Grayson Allen
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (day-to-day)
• Brook Lopez

It would be frustrating to see the Bucks’ 12-game winning streak evaporate just because Giannis Antetokounmpo suddenly suffered a bum wrist, but it is what it is. He powered for a monster triple-double of 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists in the 123-115 win over the Heat last February 5th. If he’s unable to go, we’ll see what his supporting cast is truly made of.

The injury-plagued Khris Middleton doesn’t have a tag and appears to be back for tomorrow. He also came up big the aforementioned victory, scoring 24 points in only 20 minutes of play. He’ll lead the charge with Jrue Holiday (19.4 PPG, 7.1 APG) and Brook Lopez (14.5 PPG, 2.4 BPG) if their MVP sits.

The Bucks are 5-1 ATS in their last six games, and they parade great numbers in their active streak. In that stretch, they are lighting up the scoreboard for 124.2 points and swishing 15.7 threes per game, while also winning by an average of 11.7 points.

AWAY: Miami Heat (32-27, 13-18 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

• Gabe Vincent
• Jimmy Butler
• Max Strus
• Caleb Martin
• Bam Adebayo

Lukewarm is what the Miami Heat are for most of the season. They go on good runs and fizzle out – rinse and repeat. Prior to the break, they were on a two-game skid, which preceded a three-game winning streak, which preceded a pair of losses. You get the point.

Nevertheless, tomorrow is the likely debut of newcomers Kevin Love and Cody Zeller, two acquisitions off the waiver wire that are expected to boost the group’s depth in big men. Love, a veteran sharpshooter, will get more minutes as the Heat’s bottom-ranked offense (108.3 PPG) try to generate more flow and volume. In a limited role with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he chipped 8.5 PPG in under 21 minutes of play.

As always, Jimmy Butler (21.7 PPG) and Bam Adebayo (21.6 PPG) will headline Miami’s attack – Tyler Herro should too, but he’s currently listed as questionable with a knee injury. Gabe Vincent is a darkhorse to watch out for as he has posted 20.7 points on 60% shooting in three outings against the Bucks this season.

The Heat are just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games.

PREDICTION:

Handicap: The Bucks (-2.5) are solid at home with or without Giannis. They should be able to win and cover the spread.

Over/Under: Under 224.5 looks good.