Bucks vs Heat
If one of these four things happen, the Bucks are almost guaranteed a win
Bucks fans are anxious and nervous for game 23 and for good reason. Milwaukee lost to the Heat in Game One 130-117. In that game, Milwaukee lost superstar MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s not good. He is doubtful for tonight’s game. (Longer Previews are below.)
Check out the Game One Preview Here
Check out the Game Two Preview Here
If the Bucks lose Game Two of the series, it is all but over. That would be rare. Only four #8 seeds have upset a #1 seed in NBA history. (#8 Nugs over #1Supersonics 1994, #8 Knicks vs #1 Heat 1999, #8 Warriors over #1 Mavericks 2007, and #8 Grizz over Spurs 2011)
Milwaukee seemed to be somewhat shocked in Game One but if just one of these four things happens, fans will be partying in downtown Milwaukee tonight.
#1-Brook Lopez scores over 30 points
Brook Lopez did not play all that well in Game One. Everyone is hopeful it is not because of Bam Adebayo. Adebayo is a really interesting player. Only 25, he seems to be coming into his prime. Averaging 21 points and 10 rebounds per game in the regular season he is very quick and athletic.
In head-to-head match-ups Lopez has only averaged 12 points per game against Adebayo. (Lopez has also only averaged 1.6 blocks against him as well.)
Brook Lopez only had 10 points in game one; Grayson Allen only had 12. A “Big” first half from either player will go a long way towards a win.
#2- Brook Lopez has over 12 rebounds
Milwaukee led the NBA in team rebounding with 48.6 rebounds per game. In Game One, Milwaukee did not rebound well. They only had 38 team rebounds.
Lopez only had 4 rebounds in Game One. On the season, he only averaged 7. But with Giannis possibly out, someone needs to grab the rebound. If it ends up being Lopez, that only helps.
Lopez also was a leader on the Bucks in the regular season in steals. In game one Milwaukee only had 3 steals. In the regular season Milwaukee only had 6.4 steals per game, good for 27th overall in the NBA. Steals and forcing turnovers will be important in this game.
If Lopez also has over three steals and three blocks, the Bucks will win. It’ll mean he is having a great game.
#3-Bobby Portis has a triple double
The Bucks really need a true sense of urgency Wednesday Night. Bobby Portis is just what the doctor ordered. If he has a triple double that would certainly help the Bucks.
Portis has been a double-double machine. (38 double-doubles this year.) But if he has a triple-double it’ll mean something has really clicked either defensively or in terms of the Bucks passing the ball.
#4-Jrue Holiday has over 40 points
Holiday had over 50 points against the Pacers. Of course, the Heat are better than Indiana. But still, he can do it.
Holiday only had 16 points on 6-18 shooting in Game One. A “50 burger” would really help the Bucks towards winning Game Two. And for the sake of this argument, 40 works too!
Why isn’t the guaranteed number here based-off assists? Well, Holiday did a great job passing the ball in Game One. (16 assists). Milwaukee can not let Miami “out pass” them. Miami, in the regular season, was not the best at team passing. They averaged 23 assists per game, good for 25th overall in the NBA. Milwaukee needs to pass, but they need to pass to score.
Related: Bucks lose game one at home
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