Post by Skip Bayless (Bball26 Analyst) on Feb 6, 2023 15:31:19 GMT -5
#2 Miami Heat (21-8) vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks (19-10)
The Heat face off against a surprising opponent in round 2 after the Bucks upset the Knicks in round 1. The Bucks are one of the hottest teams in the league right now despite not having a full roster. Miami has been a top team in the East all year and coasted to a comfortable win in round 1 over the Pacers. Despite being favored, the Heat can't afford to slip up as the Bucks showed last week they're an opportunistic team.
Miami survived a 2 game Lauri week in round 1 and is rewarded with 4 games this round. Unfortunately, the return of Devin Booker in Phoenix will mean less touches to go around for Ayton, Saric, and Damion Lee. There's also the trade deadline looming and Miami will have to hope that guys like Josh Richardson and Mason Plumlee don't get moved or else they'll be at risk of missing games. All in all, the Heat have the games advantage and will be favored, but there are a few ways where this can go sideways for them and that's dangerous against this Milwaukee team that knows how to win in the playoffs.
Milwaukee just can't lose in the playoffs, huh? It looked like Milwaukee's streak of championships would end at 2, but Jake got a ceiling week from multiple key players in round 1. We'll see if they can keep it up in round 2 or if they'll regress to the mean, but you have to say the timing couldn't be better. With 4 games from Rob Williams this week, none back to back, it's obvious that Rob Williams will be important to help the Bucks front court keep up with the Heat trio of Ayton, Turner, and Plumlee. Walker Kessler has already proven he can hit 40-50 FP in any game and with 4 games this week he could have a huge impact on this matchup. Outside of those 2, the Bucks just need their studs to continue doing what they've been doing. As I said last week, Lamelo, Dejounte, and Giannis can carry any team to a playoff win which is why this team has had so much success in the past.
Heat X-factor: Lauri Markkanen needs to capitalize on a 4 game week
Bucks X-factor: Rob Williams and Walker Kessler
Caleb's pick: Heat
Tyler's pick: Heat
Sarge's pick: Bucks
Skip's pick: Heat
