© Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
GAME DAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks look to stave off elimination in Game 5 vs. the Miami Heat
With their season on the line, the Milwaukee Bucks look to stay alive against the rampaging Miami Heat in this best-of-seven first-round series. Now staring at a huge 3-1 series deficit after the deflating 119-114 loss in Game 4, the Bucks will try to regain the mojo that allowed them to nab the best record in the entire league in the regular season, and take the first step in what surely will be a harrowing comeback attempt.
Tall task
With the way Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler has been playing, the most pressing question heading to Game 5 is whether the Bucks can find a way to slow him down. The five-time All-Star has been spectacular in this series, averaging 36.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while shooting an astounding 62% from the field and an eye-popping 52% from deep.
His masterpiece was undoubtedly Game 4, where he scored 56 points in a thrilling come-from-behind win against a Bucks squad that welcomed back superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo from injury.
Can the Bucks slow down Jimmy Butler?
Can the Bucks find a way to contain Butler and his red-hot shooting? If they want any chance of winning this series, they must find an answer to this question quickly. They need to dig deep into their defensive playbook and come up with a strategy that will limit Butler's offensive production while also giving them the edge in other areas of the game. It's a tall task, but it can definitely be done.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra certainly believes the series isn’t over until the final buzzer sounds on another Miami victory. Until then, he and the Heat will continue to grind.
"The series is still going," Spoelstra said. "And we have great respect for the championship DNA that group has."
Injury report
Giannis Antetokounmpo is probable for tonight, as he will definitely suit up and try to bring the Bucks one step closer to a comeback. Wesley Matthews is also cleared and back from a two-game absence.
The Heat will, of course, be without Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo. Bam Adebayo is also battling a hamstring injury, but he will most likely suit up.
