Miami Heat: Ranking Miami’s top 3 rivals this season

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the third quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at American Airlines Arena on May 27, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the third quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at American Airlines Arena on May 27, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Miami Heat
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks strips the ball from Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Miami Heat rival #1 this season: Milwaukee Bucks

This choice is fairly obvious, as these two franchises now have a history. They have faced off in the last two postseasons, and everything is now set up for them to be great rivals.

Unfortunately for the Miami Heat, they were on the wrong end of a sweep last year. Milwaukee got the best of them, beating them in Round 1 of the playoffs.

However, that sweep came just one year after the Heat upset the Bucks in Round 2 of the 2020 playoffs. Miami was able to take down Milwaukee in just five games.

The Bucks just won their second-ever NBA Championship, and Miami will be chasing that same glory this year. If they end up playing in the playoffs, it will be must-watch TV.

Both teams are full of fiery players who like to leave it all out on the court. There will be no shortage of intensity whenever these two teams play this year.

In addition, the Miami Heat stole PJ Tucker away from the Bucks this offseason. He played a big role in their championship run last year.

While Tucker isn’t necessarily a game-changer, him leaving the Bucks for the Heat only adds another level to the rivalry. It should be fun to watch him guard his old teammates.

There has to be some beef between the two teams at this point. The Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks are officially rivals.