The Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks are set to face off against each other for the second time in as many years in the NBA Playoffs. Last year, the Heat were able to knock off the Bucks in just five games, which was a major surprise. That led to them representing the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, where they eventually came up short against the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
While these two teams played last year, things are a lot different this time around. Milwaukee is the No. 3 seed, while the Heat are the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. Giannis Antetokounmpo and company are not looking to come up short against Miami again.
For the Bucks, they made some major changes in the offseason with the main addition being star point guard Jrue Holiday. They also brought in Bobby Portis, Jeff Teague, and PJ Tucker. Milwaukee feels that they are deeper this year than they were last year, which was a major problem for them when they faced off against the Heat.
On the other side of the series, the Heat are a very similar looking team this year. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo lead the way with Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, Goran Dragic, and Trevor Ariza being quality role players. They have the talent to make another deep playoff run, but they have a very tough test ahead of them with the Bucks.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at three bold predictions for the Bucks vs. Heat series in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
3. The Bucks' New Additions Make Them Extremely Dangerous
We talked about the last time these two teams faced off against each other in the playoffs and the Bucks were unable to beat the Heat. They won just one game, but a lot of that had to do with their lack of roster talent around Antetokounmpo. That will not be the case this time around and their roster additions will pay major dividends.
Starting with Jrue Holiday, the Bucks are going to be able to defend on the perimeter much better this year. Add in the veteran presences of Tucker and Portis, and Milwaukee has quality depth coming off of the bench to avoid major drop-offs. Jeff Teague could be a major X-Factor for the Bucks, as he provides great scoring, shooting, and playmaking off the bench when Holiday takes a breather.
Milwaukee has to feel much more confident in the roster they have placed around the Greek Freak this year. They learned from their mistakes last season and have a much better chance to compete with the Heat.
2. Tyler Herro Replicates His Playoff Heroics
For the Heat, they are going to need players to step up in a big way around Butler and Adebayo. Last year, Miami saw rookie guard Tyler Herro step up in the postseason and make a major name for himself. He has struggled with consistency this year, but his playoff heroics will return for the second season in a row.
Herro averaged 15.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game during the regular season while shooting 43.9 percent from the floor and 36 percent from the three-point line. In the playoffs, he will take those numbers to another level.
We are predicting that Herro will end up averaging 20 points per game and five assists per game. He is going to be the third star that makes the Heat a serious NBA Finals contender once again. Miami will get exactly what they need from the second-year guard.
1. Milwaukee Comes Out Victorious In Seven Games
These two teams are going to put on a show for the viewers. It is one of the most anticipated series matchups in this year's playoff picture. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are out for revenge and they will be able to get it when everything is said and done.
Milwaukee is not going to come in and dominate the Heat to win the series. It will take a lot of hard work and clutch plays, but they have an improved roster that is capable of making those plays. They will end up winning the series in seven games.
While the Heat are going to come up short in this series, the future is extremely bright for them moving forward. They have two stars leading the roster and a ton of young talent around them. Pat Riley will head into the offseason looking to add another star to the roster, or at least looking to add more talented role players that compliment Butler and Adebayo perfectly.
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