Miami won the Eastern Conference in 2020 while Milwaukee did it in 2021. This year, both teams enter the second half staring up at last season’s EC Champs, Boston. But, heading into the All-Star Break, nobody was hotter than Milwaukee, who has won 12 straight games to move within a game of the top spot in the Conference. Miami is 7th, 10.5 games back of top.

I expect this to be a lot lower-scoring than when these teams played three weeks ago. The final score was Bucks 123 Heat 115.

There could be some rust coming out of the ASB for both teams. Miami is averaging only 108.3 points/game this season.

Both teams are top four in the league in defensive efficiency (Milwaukee 3rd, Miami 4th).

But the real key is Giannis being doubtful. Without him, the Bucks’ offensive efficiency drops way off. Wes Matthews and Pat Connaughton are also both out. Miami also likes to play slow. They are 28th in pace. 10*