The Eastern Conference is looking promising this year with some juicy potential clashes in the first round. Chances are strong that Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat might lock horns in the postseason opener, which would also mark their rematch from the Orlando Bubble.

Before that, the Bucks, 7-3 in the last ten games, will meet the Heat, 11-3 in the last fourteen games, on Saturday. It will be an important clash for both teams as they would want to improve their rankings in this zero-sum game. So, which side has better odds of winning?

Miami Heat vs Bucks: Injury updates and lineup predictions

For the Heat, two big names in Victor Oladipo and Kendrick Nunn are present on the injury list. The former has undergone surgery to fix his right quadriceps tendon and will stay out. Kendrick, however, is still questionable because of his sore calf. Apart from them, the Heat’s latest signing in Oklahoma City Blue (G League)’s center Omer Yurtseven will be a day-to-day decision.

Probable line-up – Trevor Ariza (PF), Jimmy Butler (SF), Bam Adebayo (C), Duncan Robinson (SG), and Tyler Herro (PG)

The Bucks have one of the cleanest injury lists of the entire league. They have just one name, shooting guard Axel Toupane (oblique) ,who might sit out against the Heat.

Potential starting five – Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF), Khris Middleton (SF), Brook Lopez (C), Donte DiVincenzo (SG), and Jrue Holiday (PG)

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Who wins?

The Bucks are a tough side to beat because they’re one of those very balanced teams on both ends. Giannis, Khris, and Brook have always been the spinal cord of their defense, and that has continued to save them against offense-heavy teams like the Nets.

Plus, they’re scoring 120.2 points per game, the highest this season, to make a strong offensive case too. Also, if the Greek Freak’s 14/18 against the Pacers is anything to go by, even playing restricted minutes to save himself for the playoffs, the man can humiliate the Heat. 

The Heat, on the other hand, are in a tough battle to take that 4th/5th position, and they’ll give everything into the game. They’re on a 4-game win streak with Jimmy Butler leading the team in scoring, assisting, and stealing. The 2020 finals runner-ups will play physical basketball, attacking the paint, and that can be a challenge for the Bucks. Bam Adebayo can be the Heat’s answer on the defense part, but they’ve got to better their offense.

We believe the Bucks will take this game (and the series 2-1) from the Heat in a close battle. What do you think? Help us know in the comments.