Heat Look to Build Momentum as Bucks Aim for Fourth Straight Win

The Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat face off Sunday night in a battle of Eastern Conference rivals, with both teams looking to strengthen their positioning after the All-Star break.

Milwaukee enters on a three-game winning streak, having swept a back-to-back set against the Clippers and Wizards. Miami, meanwhile, snapped a four-game skid with an overtime win over the Raptors and hopes to carry that momentum into this matchup.

Bucks Finding Ways to Win Despite Key Absences

The Bucks held off Washington 104-101 on Friday, despite missing Damian Lillard (hamstring) and Taurean Prince (ankle). Giannis Antetokounmpo, playing under a minutes restriction, fouled out late but still led the way with 31 points and 11.9 rebounds per game on the season.

Head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged the challenge of limiting Giannis’ minutes but emphasized the long-term plan.

“He’s on this minute restriction, we’re pulling him in and out. I think that’s hard for him,” Rivers said. “But we’re gonna continue with it regardless and see if we can figure out a way in this stretch of limitations to get him in a better rhythm.”

With Lillard and Prince listed as day-to-day, the Bucks will lean on Kyle Kuzma, who stepped up against Washington with 19 points and eight rebounds.

Heat Leaning on Herro and Wiggins

Miami got back in the win column Friday with a 120-111 overtime victory in Toronto. Tyler Herro led the way with 28 points, while newly acquired Andrew Wiggins added 25, making big plays down the stretch.

“We’re all rooting for Wigs, super happy to have him,” Herro said. “We’re trying to feed as much life and confidence in him as possible. We got another game Sunday where we’re gonna really need his contribution.”

Herro is averaging 23.9 points and 5.5 assists per game, while Bam Adebayo leads the team with 10.1 rebounds per game. Kevin Love remains the only Miami player on the injury report after missing Friday’s game for personal reasons.

Season Series and Key Matchup

Milwaukee has already won the first two meetings this season, taking a 106-103 win in Miami on Nov. 26 and dominating 125-96 at home on Jan. 23. Lillard’s triple-double (29 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds) led the way in the second matchup, with Giannis adding 25 points and 12 boards.

Both teams boast strong defenses, with Miami allowing 110.7 points per game and Milwaukee giving up 112.6. However, the Bucks’ offensive efficiency—shooting 38.5 percent from three, second-best in the NBA—could be the difference.

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Who Has the Edge?

The Heat are looking to build on their win, but the Bucks have been playing well despite injuries and have controlled the season series so far. Can Miami steal one on the road, or will Milwaukee keep rolling?

We’ll find out Sunday night.