Bucks vs. Heat NBA Playoffs Prediction, Odds & Best Bet for April 19 (Milwaukee Evens Series at Home)

Bucks vs. Heat Game Info

• Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2023
• Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
• Venue: Fiserv Forum -- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Coverage: NBA TV, BSWI, and BSSUN

The Miami Heat stunned the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of their first-round series, opening up a 9-point lead in the first quarter and cruising to a 130-117 victory. To make matters worse for Milwaukee, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo exited the game early with a back injury.

Can the Heat repeat their Game 1 magic on Wednesday? Or will the Bucks bounce back to even the series at home?

Bucks vs. Heat Odds & Spread

All NBA betting lines, odds and prop bets are from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Bucks vs Heat Betting Information

Favorite	Spread	Favorite Spread Odds	Underdog Spread Odds	Total	Over Total Odds	Under Total Odds	Favorite Moneyline	Underdog Moneyline
Bucks	-6	-110	-110	-	-	-	-255	210

Even with Giannis potentially hobbled, the Bucks are still heavy favorites for Game 2 on both the spread and moneyline at FanDuel Sportsbook. This Eastern Conference clash also features a total of 222 points, which is the lowest of the three games on Wednesday's slate.

Bucks vs. Heat Betting Trends

• The Bucks have covered the spread 41 times in 78 games with a set spread.
• The Heat are 3-6 ATS when underdogs by 6 points or more this year.
• This season, Bucks games have hit the over 40 times out of 79 chances.
• Heat games this year have eclipsed the over/under 39 times in 79 opportunities (49.4%).
• In home games, Milwaukee has a better record against the spread (22-16-1) compared to its ATS record on the road (19-18-2).
• In 2022-23 against the spread, Miami has a lower winning percentage at home (.375, 15-24-1 record) than away (.385, 15-24-0).

Bucks vs. Heat Prediction & Pick

Of course, the big question heading into Game 2 is whether Giannis will play. The Bucks are optimistic he'll be able to suit up, which bodes well for their chances on Wednesday.

Milwaukee must step up on defense as well if it wants to even the series before it shifts to Miami. The biggest surprise of Game 1 was the Heat pouring in 130 points after ranking dead last in scoring during the regular season with 109.5 PPG. The Bucks are fourth in defensive rating, so expect a lower-scoring game here, especially if Giannis isn't 100%.

Miami also seemed to catch Milwaukee by surprise in Game 1. The Bucks hadn't played in a week prior to the opener and it showed, as they started sluggish and dug themselves into an early hole. Don't expect that to happen again in Game 2, especially with the home crowd at their backs.

If Giannis is on the court, Milwaukee is the better team and will prove it in Game 2.

Final Score Prediction: Bucks: 117 | Heat: 108

Check out more NBA Playoffs content from The Duel:

Bucks vs. Heat Best Bet

While both teams are strong defensively, that didn't stop them from racking up 247 points and hitting the over comfortably in Game 1. The total is set at 222 points for Game 2, which seems a tad low. The Bucks still managed to score 117 points in Game 1 against one of the league's best defenses despite only getting 11 minutes and 6 points from Giannis.

These two teams have gone well over 222 points in each of their last three games, averaging 237.3 points during those meetings. Assuming Giannis is good to go, take the Over.

Bet: Over 222 Total Points (-110)

Watch FanDuel TV’s new NBA show “Run It Back” with Shams Charania, Michelle Beadle, Chandler Parsons, and Eddie Gonzalez Monday-Wednesday at 10 ET on FanDuel TV, the FanDuel Youtube page, or download the podcast here: fanduel.com/podcasts.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.