Milwaukee Bucks: Ultimate preview for playoff matchup with Miami Heat
By Dalton Sell
No upcoming first round matchup in the 2021 NBA Playoffs has more hype surrounding it than the Milwaukee Bucks versus the Miami Heat.
The Bucks are seeking redemption after the Heat steamrolled them in the second round of last year’s playoffs en route to a trip to the NBA Finals. Storylines from that embarrassing defeat continue to fuel the tension ahead of this season’s matchup as this series is shaping up to be a star-studded clash between two of the more talented teams in the Eastern Conference.
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Although it is certainly fair to call this a rematch, both teams look far different than they did when these teams last met in the NBA bubble. Each has undergone significant roster adjustments over the year to bolster their chances at making a title run and there will be no shortage of talent on display once these two hit the floor.
This series is being pegged as must-see television, which has plenty of people talking ahead of Saturday’s clash. Before these two teams square off in what should be a thrilling series, here is an ultimate preview filled with everything you need to know.
What the analysts are saying about the Milwaukee Bucks versus the Miami Heat
With this matchup between the Bucks and the Heat being one of the most highly-anticipated in the first round, experts everywhere are weighing in.
Returns from a poll conducted between 18 experts and writers from ESPN revealed that the Bucks are the favorite among the media members with 13 picks favoring them to just five for the Heat. While that makes sense because the Bucks are indeed the higher seeding, this Miami team has proven to be a daunting matchup for Milwaukee in the past.
Yet, it appears that they believe the Bucks have accumulated the right amount of talent to exorcise their demons this time around. One such believer is ESPN analyst and former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins, who is a firm believer of Milwaukee heading into these playoffs. Transcribed by the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson:
"“When you look at the Bucks, the one thing I noticed about Giannis is his playmaking ability. It keeps getting better every year. This year it’s really, really good. He’s passing the ball with a real purpose. He’s seeing the floor a whole lot better. Brook Lopez, the way he anchors that defense, he doesn’t get enough credit the way he protects the basket. Holiday is one of best two-way players in the game today. Khris Middleton is a walking bucket… The Bucks have revenge on their mind. They have one of the deepest teams in the NBA, and I think they will win this series in six.”"
Perkins and a vast majority of the media appear to be siding with the higher seed and picking Milwaukee to come out on top in this series. Although that does not mean much in the bigger picture, it does show the widespread faith that the Bucks can get it done this time.