The Miami Heat are looking to make it a series sweep of the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 on Sunday. A look at three things to watch.
The Miami Heat are turning heads with a 3-0 lead over the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. After sweeping the Indiana Pacers in the first round, they’re setting themselves up to do the same in the second round in Game 4 on Sunday.
It’s a shock to most, aside from the Heat themselves of course. Whoever wins this series will go on to the Conference Finals and face the winner of the Boston/Toronto series. It seems worth noting that in the history of the playoffs, no team has ever lost a 3-0 series lead.
Miami’s defense on Giannis Antetokounmpo, as well as Jimmy Butler’s brilliance, has kept them a head above the rest in this matchup. Will it continue in Game 4, a win-or-go-home situation?
A look at three things to watch when these teams face off on Sunday afternoon.
Is Kelly Olynyk available?
The Miami Heat were missing big man Kelly Olynyk in Game 3, leading to a team-leading 22-point performance from Milwaukee big Brook Lopez. It also allowed Meyers Leonard to crack the rotation, and ultimately underwhelm in his eight minutes on the floor.
The 5:30 pm injury report lists Olynyk as ‘questionable’ due to a right knee bruise, the same injury that held him out of the last match with the Bucks. With Miami hoping to send Milwaukee home packing and complete a series sweep, watch this news closely on Sunday.
Olynyk had 11 points, five rebounds, and a block in the Heat’s Game 2 win. Having him healthy on Sunday would certainly leave no excuses for Miami not to get the job done and advance.
Which “Playoff Jimmy” Will We Get?
Miami alpha Jimmy Butler has been just that in the entire postseason, an alpha. He’s lead the charge for the Heat and now has them undefeated walking into their second consecutive Game 4 with an opportunity to send the opposition packing.
What’s been so interesting to watch has been Butler’s play, from Games 1 to 3. Every night he’s adapted to Miami’s weaknesses in that specific matchup. He’s scored anywhere from 40 points, to 13 points, to 30 points respectively in each of their three wins thus far.
In their seven playoff games thus far, Butler’s averaging 23.1 points, five rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.3 steals nightly on a 47/50/82 shooting split. No matter which version shows up on Sunday, expect him to continue doing whatever it takes to secure a Heat win.
Will Duncan Robinson close the series with another dud?
Another storyline worth watching going into Sunday is Duncan Robinson’s shooting struggles. He’s made just six-of-20 attempts from three since the start of the series with Milwaukee.
It’s Robinson’s first time in the playoffs, and arguably the highest pressure he’s received from any defense in his year and a half in the NBA. With Milwaukee coming out with their backs against the wall, they’re going to try and shut down what’s been working for Miami.
Given Robinson hasn’t, he may see some opportunity or space from the defense. If he can get going and start knocking them down early, this game will be over before it starts.
The Miami Heat are looking to close out this series in Game 4 on Sunday, move on and face either the Boston Celtics or Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals. They have a legit shot at making the Finals now, but that starts with closing out the Bucks series on Sunday.
Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 pm EST, with coverage being provided by ABC.