Bucks Zone

GAMEDAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks eye revenge vs. the Miami Heat

The Bucks look to bounce back after a loss against the Hawks.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

The Milwaukee Bucks face the Miami Heat on Monday night at the Fiserv Forum in a game that serves as a rematch of last season’s first-round playoff duel in the Eastern Conference.

Ranked as the eighth seed, the Heat ousted the top-seeded Bucks last season by completing the biggest upset in recent NBA history, winning their best-of-seven first-round playoffs series in just five games.

Looking to rebound from a blowout loss

The first-round exit led to a massive shake-up in Milwaukee, with the team overhauling its coaching staff by firing coach Mike Budenholzer and bringing in Adrian Griffin.

Apart from seeking revenge against the Heat, the Bucks will try to redeem themselves from a lackluster performance on Sunday night that saw them getting blown out by the erstwhile winless Atlanta Hawks, 110-127.

A stark contrast to his superb performance in his debut as a Buck, Damian Lillard was dismal in the loss when he finished with only six points on 2-of-12 shooting from the field.

Lillard scored 39 points in leading the Bucks to a 118-117 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night. He never got into a good rhythm against the Hawks, as he was held scoreless in the second half. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 23 points and 11 boards in the loss.

Miami is off to a 1-2 start, losing its last two games after starting the season with a 103-102 home win over the Detroit Pistons. The Heat bowed to the Boston Celtics, 111-119, and dropped another road game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 90-106.

Injury report

Khris Middleton is expected to suit up for the Bucks against the Heat after sitting out against the Hawks due to right knee injury management.

Caleb Martin (knee) and Josh Richardson (foot) are listed as doubtful, while Haywood Highsmith (MCL sprain) is out for the Heat. 

Published
Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.