The Heat have dropped two in a row and the surprising Milwaukee Bucks aren’t sure to help Miami get back on track.
It’s a testament to how much the Easter Conference has changed that Miami (5-4) barely sports a better record than the Bucks (4-5), who have established themselves as a defensive team early in the season. Milwaukee is third-best in limiting opponent scoring (at just 93.6 points per game). The good news for the Heat is that the Bucks only average 91.9 points per game, hence the losing record.
But Miami has their own problems; after a strong showing against the Mavericks last week, the Heat have looked very shaky. Poor ball rotation, weak defense and non-existent rebounding have been exposed over the last two losses. Friday’s loss to the Hawks could be attributed to the absence of Dwyane Wade, who may sit out tonight due to a sore hamstring. As a top scorer and distributor, it’s obvious that he’s essential to Miami’s success. Chris Bosh had done what he can but is not shooting quite as efficiently as he did during the first week-and-a-half of the season.
Moreover, the Dallas victory showed that a third scorer is needed. Either Luol Deng or Mario Chalmers has filled that role capably, with Shawne Williams continuing to prove himself offensively. Ideally, each of them would be contributors.
The Bucks have Larry Sanders in the middle, leading the team at two blocks, nearly eight rebounds and 1.7 steals a game. He’s their catalyst, often roaming away from his opponent to swat shots at the rim, as you can see in this highlight reel:
With versatile shooters like Bosh and Williams in the frontcourt, it’ll be essential to hit from outside early to draw Sanders away from the paint, allowing Wade (if active), Deng and others to get easy basket opportunities.
The Bucks have gotten improved scoring from Brandon Knight, the third-year guard out of Kentucky. At 18.1 PPG and 6.7 APG he’s Milwaukee’s top scorer and passer. He’s not a good outside shooter, rather using his speed to get inside. Chalmers and Norris Cole will have to avoid foul trouble guarding him. Milwaukee also features O.J. Mayo, the talented yet inconsistent guard. Miami has allowed some struggling players to find their groove (Kemba Walker, Thabo Sefalosha, etc.) so they’ll have to limit Mayo’s opportunities to score.
Of course, many of you will be looking for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the “Greek Freak.” A lanky and skilled ball handler, he’s struggling to find his niche but has exciting potential. At 6’11” (and possibly growing), he’s a definite mismatch; I’d look for Deng to handle him defensively when Antetokounmpo comes off the bench.
Other things to look for are if Josh McRoberts (out on Friday with a foot blister) is available for tonight. He seemed like he was rounding into form but minor injuries could continue to limit his effectiveness. If Wade is out, McRoberts’ versatile ball-handling and passing could be a boost offensively. Rookie James Ennis, who started in Wade’s place, was ineffective in five minutes of play; he was yanked midway through the first quarter and never returned. Shannon Brown, who also struggled, could be an option as a starter.
Tip off is at 6 p.m. from the AmericanAirlines Arena. Check back at All U Can Heat for a recap, grades and analysis.