© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
GAMEDAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks eye revenge vs. the Miami Heat
The Milwaukee Bucks face the Miami Heat on Monday night at the Fiserv Forum in a game that serves as a rematch of last season’s first-round playoff duel in the Eastern Conference.
Ranked as the eighth seed, the Heat ousted the top-seeded Bucks last season by completing the biggest upset in recent NBA history, winning their best-of-seven first-round playoffs series in just five games.
Looking to rebound from a blowout loss
The first-round exit led to a massive shake-up in Milwaukee, with the team overhauling its coaching staff by firing coach Mike Budenholzer and bringing in Adrian Griffin.
Apart from seeking revenge against the Heat, the Bucks will try to redeem themselves from a lackluster performance on Sunday night that saw them getting blown out by the erstwhile winless Atlanta Hawks, 110-127.
A stark contrast to his superb performance in his debut as a Buck, Damian Lillard was dismal in the loss when he finished with only six points on 2-of-12 shooting from the field.
Lillard scored 39 points in leading the Bucks to a 118-117 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night. He never got into a good rhythm against the Hawks, as he was held scoreless in the second half. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 23 points and 11 boards in the loss.
Miami is off to a 1-2 start, losing its last two games after starting the season with a 103-102 home win over the Detroit Pistons. The Heat bowed to the Boston Celtics, 111-119, and dropped another road game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 90-106.
Injury report
Khris Middleton is expected to suit up for the Bucks against the Heat after sitting out against the Hawks due to right knee injury management.
Caleb Martin (knee) and Josh Richardson (foot) are listed as doubtful, while Haywood Highsmith (MCL sprain) is out for the Heat.
