GAME PREVIEW: Heat get rematch with Bucks after blowout loss

GAME STORY

After getting crushed by the Milwaukee Bucks (2-2) in a 47-point loss last night, yes you read that correctly, the Miami Heat (1-2) get a rare chance to avenge that embarrassing performance with a rematch tonight at the AmericanAirlines Arena.

Without Jimmy Butler, and any semblance of solid perimeter defense, the Bucks knocked down an NBA-record 29 3-pointers to cruise to victory led by Khris Middleton with 25 points and five assists while Giannis Antetokounmpo scored just nine points to go along with six assists, six rebounds and three assists. Bucks newcomer Jrue Holiday gave the Heat plenty of problems and finished with 24 points and seven assists.

Miami struggled mightily without Jimmy Butler and most likely he will be out tonight again. They were led by Tyler Herro who had 23 points and seven assists but don’t expect Meyers Leonard and Maurice Harkless to start again tonight as they were pulled just minutes into the game and never returned. It will be interesting to see what rotation the Heat’s coaching staff settles on tonight; as they proved in the bubble, that they can adjust well on the fly.

Bottom line: whether you lose by one point or 47 points, it’s still one loss. How the Heat respond to the early season adversity will be fascinating to watch tonight.

ODDS: FiveThirtyEight gives the Heat a 49% chance to win the game.

For more on the Heat-Bucks matchup, check out Kevin Kraczkowski’s in-depth preview from yesterday.

HEAT VS BUCKS: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30 AT 7:30 PM.

INJURIES

MIAMI:

• Jimmy Butler (ankle), Out
• Gabe Vincent, Day to Day

MILWAUKEE:

• Torrey Craig (face), Out

LINEUPS

BROADCAST INFO

TV: FOX SPORTS SUN, NBATV
RADIO: The Ticket 790AM & The HEAT Radio Network (Mike Inglis, Ruth Riley Hunter)
SPANISH RADIO: WAXY 790, WAQI 710AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda, Joe Pujala)

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