The Miami Heat head North to take on the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. It's one of the best matchups in the East, as both the Heat and Bucks are stacked with talent. It's time we continue our NBA odds series and make a Heat-Bucks prediction and pick.

Miami finished the regular season with a 40-32 record and a 34-36-2 record against the spread. Jimmy Butler has led his team to the postseason again and looks to take down the powerful Bucks.

Milwaukee ended the year as the third seed of the Eastern Conference with an impressive 46-26 record and a 32-40 record against the spread. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a beast throughout his career and hopes to carry the Bucks to a championship, but first, he'll have to get past the Heat.

Here's how sportsbooks have set the Heat-Bucks odds.

NBA Playoff Odds: Heat-Bucks

Miami Heat +5 (-114)

Milwaukee Bucks -5 (-106)

Over 226.5 (-106)

Under 226.5 (-112)

Why the Heat Could Cover the Spread

The Heat are in the middle of the pack when compared to the rest of the league, as they didn't finish in the top five in any statistical category this season. However, Miami was a dark horse in the playoffs during the NBA Bubble a year ago where they surprised everyone by making it to the NBA Finals.

Butler is the focal point of Miami's success. This year he's averaged 21.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game. The Heat will rely on his leadership in this series, as he's a key to success.

Miami's best chances of at least covering the spread will be playing hardcore defense and hitting the three-point shot. Butler is one of the best defenders in the league and could be guarding Giannis most of the night. The Heat have a plethora of shooters who can light it up from beyond the arc. If the shots are going in, this could be a tough game for Milwaukee.

Why the Bucks Could Cover the Spread

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
kareem abdul-jabbar's net worth

Nihad Zunic ·

Giannis Antetokounmpo is an absolute monster. Averaging 28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game proves how valuable he is to the Bucks' franchise. Luckily for him though, he has a supporting cast that has stepped up this season. For Milwaukee to win this game and/or cover the spread, everyone will need to elevate their game in the postseason.

Milwaukee has been red hot throughout the year, as they've finished within the top five in points per game (first, 120.1), rebounds per game (second, 48.1), field goal percentage (third, 48.7%), three-point percentage (fourth, 38.9%), and three-pointers made (fifth, 1038). They're easily one of the top teams offensively which could spell danger for the Miami Heat. Look for Milwaukee to play as a complete team in this game, as they'll be too much for the Heat to handle.

Final Heat-Bucks Prediction and Pick

With some fans back in the arena for the postseason, the Bucks have a nice homecourt advantage in this one. Milwaukee will likely stick to what's been working throughout the year and play through Antetokounmpo. The Heat should be able to win at least one game in this series, but Saturday will not be their day. The Bucks should run away with this one in the fourth quarter.

FINAL HEAT-BUCKS PREDICTION/PICK: Bucks win 120-107