Miami Heat: 3 things to watch for in Game 3 against Milwaukee Bucks

The Miami Heat will look to make it a 3-0 series lead on Friday when they take on the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 3. A look at three things to watch for. 

To the surprise of many, the Miami Heat have jumped out to a 2-0 lead over the Milwaukee Bucks in this Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. They’ll face off in Game 3 on Friday evening in a matchup that could very well determine the fate of this series.

Jimmy Butler has been “Playoff Jimmy” and then some. Defensively, Bam Adebayo has lived up to the hype as the NBA’s “Giannis Stopper.” Their bench has been slightly inconsistent, as well as sharpshooter Duncan Robinson, who they’re hoping will find his rhythm in the coming games.

On the other end, the reigning MVP has struggled to maintain his regular scoring numbers. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging just 23.5 points in the second-round series. As opposed to the 30.6 he averaged in Milwaukee’s first-round series against the Orlando Magic.

A look at three things to watch before Game 3 tips off on Friday.

How’s Andre Iguodala Look?

The Miami Heat have fared pretty well in terms of health all season, with the only exception being Justise Winslow’s back issues before they ultimately traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies.

But they’ve had a couple scares in the playoffs. Butler suffered a left shoulder strain in Game 4 against the Pacers but looked pain-free in Games 1 and 2 against the Bucks.

Towards the end of Game 2 however, veteran Andre Iguodala suffered an ankle injury, later confirmed as a right ankle sprain. He’s listed as questionable for Game 3 against Milwaukee.

If Iguodala plays, keep an eye on how his ankle looks. He’s been a key player in both of the Heat’s playoff series so far and they’ll need his defense if they’re to make a deep run.

Can the Real Duncan Robinson Please Stand Up?

We saw him struggle with his shot in the first-round series with Indiana, and those struggles have continued for Duncan Robinson in the second round against the Bucks. He’s connected on just four-of-12 attempts from deep, averaging out to a 33 percent shooting average.

Robinson’s been one of the biggest contributors for this Miami team, leading the charge that’s seen them rise to one of the NBA’s best teams from beyond the arc. He’s going to have regain his rhythm from three-point territory if the Heat are truly to upset Milwaukee.

Will Giannis Antetokounmpo break through the Heat defense?

Everyone knew this Miami-Milwaukee series was headed for gunfight territory. But no one anticipated the Heat locking up Giannis Antetokounmpo quite this successfully.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra has formed a wall of sorts, specifically designed to making life hard for the Greek Freak. It typically consists of Butler, Jae Crowder, and a third player. So far it’s worked, and this Heat team is living inside Antetokounmpo’s head rent-free.

His frustration has been apparent, and despite coming out aggressive in Game 2, means nothing. But when you’re talking about the reigning MVP and current Defensive Player of the Year, it’s only rational to expect a performance of superstar caliber given his back’s against the wall.

Will it be Game 3? Will Antetokounmpo finally break Coach Spoelstra’s wall? It could change the tides in this series if he can come out and have a statement game and secure a victory.

The NBA’s most anticipated second-round series will continue on Friday night when the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks face off again in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. Tip-off is at 6:30 pm EST. Coverage will be provided by TNT and TNT Overtime.