Milwaukee Bucks: 3 players whose playing time could regress versus Heat

Jeff Teague could see his minutes shrink for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Heat

Jeff Teague is among the most well-established newcomers for the Bucks this season.

Coming over midseason through the buyout market to fill Milwaukee’s previously vacant backup point guard slot, Teague seemed like a solid signing from the start. The veteran has proven serviceable by averaging 6.6 points on .469/.385/.864 shooting splits, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 21 games with the team, giving them a much-needed ball handler in the second unit.

However, Teague’s role has varied depending on Milwaukee’s opponent in every game since he came aboard. Some nights he will see solid minutes in the backcourt to give the Bucks a lift while he might not see any action whatsoever in other instances. The Bucks’ final regular season game against the Heat falls into the ladder category as Teague spectated from the bench for the entire 48 minutes in the team’s victory.

One reason that lack of playing time might carry over into the postseason could be Miami’s abundance of dynamic guards in the backcourt. Among Tyler Herro, Goran Dragic, and Kendrick Nunn, Miami has an abundance of guards that are lethal threats on the offensive end. Teague has never been known as a reputable player on defense and could see his minutes regress hopefully due to more time for starting guards Jrue Holiday and Donte DiVincenzo.

Teague’s playing time might not disappear entirely, but it seems feasible to believe he will play a minimized role to some capacity. The guard has proven to be a wild card off the bench since signing with the Bucks, which could be hurtful or helpful if he gets any meaningful time in the playoffs.