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GAME DAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks look to avoid 0-2 hole, eye payback versus the Miami Heat

The Milwaukee Bucks are in a must-win situation.
Matthew Dugandzic|
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With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s availability remains uncertain, the Milwaukee Bucks try to avoid falling to what could be a concerning 0-2 hole when they square off with the Miami Heat for Game 2 of their best-of-seven series on Wednesday night.

The Bucks lost Game 1, 130-117, but the biggest concern was the back injury that Antetokounmpo suffered in the first quarter of the match.

The injury came after the Greek Freak collided with Miami forward Kevin Love while he was driving to the basket. A grimacing Antetokounmpo was still able to play for a few minutes before he was pulled out for good early in the second quarter.

The Heat took advantage of Antetokounmpo’s and cruised to the 13-point win. The victory also came with a price for the Heat as they also lost Tyler Herro to a hand injury.

Khris Middleton erupted for 33 points, while Jrue Holiday had 16 points and 16 assists in losing efforts.

Cold-shooting Bucks

Jimmy Butler proved too much for the Bucks after he scored 35 points in the series-opener. Milwaukee also shot itself in the foot when it failed to connect from the three-point area.

The Bucks attempted 45 shots from the rainbow area for a paltry 24.4 shooting percentage clip. On the other hand, Miami was on target from the long distance, going 15-for-25 for a high 60 percent clip.

Injury report

Antetokounmpo (back) is doubtful for Game 2, while Wesley Matthews is out due to a right calf strain.

Herro (hand) and Nikola Jovic (back) are out, while Kyle Lowry (knee) is questionable for the Heat. 

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.