The Miami Heat Have Tall Challenge Ahead Against Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

The Heat have to figure a way to stop two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in the first round

The Miami Heat finally got into the playoffs but the real test lies ahead of them.

They face the top-seed Milwaukee Bucks and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in the first round, starting Sunday in Game 1. The Heat’s two victories this season came when he wasn't in the lineup because of injuries. 

Not only is Antetokounmpo healthy, the Heat also know they have to win on the Bucks' homecourt if they are to take the series. 

"You're talking about MVP in GA, all the shooting, how together they are,” Heat forward Jimmy Butler said. “They've been together for a while. It's going to be tough. Milwaukee has some great fans that are always showing up and showing out. We've got to play damn near basketball, which we are capable of ... We are one and I think we're going to be OK."

This is the third time the teams have met in the postseason, with each team splitting victories in 2020 and 2021. The Bucks are heavily favored after winning a league-best 58 games. 

The Heat barely got into the playoffs after defeating the Chicago Bulls in the play-in tournament. 

"We've got to play right," Butler said. "We've got to play some good basketball. We've got to do all the little things correct ... Just go out there and compete. I think that's what we do a good job if, is competing. Just be the hardest-playing team."

The Heat do have history on their side. The last time the Bucks were the overall No. 1 seed they lost to Miami in the semifinals 4-1 during the Orlando bubble season. 

"Ultimately we have a bigger purpose that we're trying to do and we understand who's in front of us," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Added guard Max Strus, “It really doesn't matter [who we play]. I'm just happy that we're in the playoffs and happy that we have an opportunity. That's all you ask for."

The Heat feel they have a good of chance as anyone in the Eastern Conference to knock off the Bucks. After all, they've already proven it but only four No. 8 seeds have upset a No. 1 in NBA history. 

The Heat were among the No. 1s to fall when they lost to the New York Knicks in 1999. 

"We have great competitors in the locker room, though,” Spoelstra said. “We're grateful that we have this opportunity to the line up against them. This was a very harrowing week and I think our guys earned this opportunity."

MORE HEAT-RELATED STORIES

Max Strus, Jimmy Butler lead Miami Heat into playoffs. CLICK HERE

How Miami Heat Twitter reacted to win against Bulls. CLICK HERE

Playoff schedule for Heat vs. Bucks. CLICK HERE

For a look at some of the latest Heat apparel. CLICK HERE

If you wanna bet on any games at @PrizePicks or PrizePicks.com, use our link and code. They will match your first bet for up to $100. Here's the code: PR-R1YOFY6

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.