Miami Heat’s star player, Jimmy Butler, will be absent for the second consecutive game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to undisclosed personal reasons. This absence is confirmed for Tuesday’s matchup, highlighting Butler’s ongoing struggle with a personal matter.
Scheduled at 8 pm ET, the game will take place at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee and will be televised on Bally Sports Sun. The betting line favors the Heat with a +4 spread. This encounter marks the third and final regular-season meeting between the Heat and the Bucks. Milwaukee has emerged victorious in both prior matchups this season. However, historical data indicates a competitive rivalry, with the Heat holding a 75-53 advantage over the Bucks in regular-season encounters. Notably, Miami triumphed over Milwaukee in last season’s playoffs, advancing to the NBA Finals.
The projected starting lineup for the Heat includes Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, Caleb Martin, and Jaime Jaquez. Conversely, the Bucks are expected to start Jae Crowder, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, Damian Lillard, and Malik Beasley.
Injury concerns loom over both teams. The Heat are without Dru Smith due to knee surgery, while Duncan Robinson’s participation remains questionable due to a shoulder issue. Additionally, Alondes Williams and Cole Swider are unavailable due to G League commitments. For the Bucks, Khris Middleton is sidelined with an ankle injury.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra expressed empathy for his injured players, particularly Terry Rozier and Josh Richardson, emphasizing their desire to compete despite their setbacks. Rozier is nursing a knee injury, while Richardson is dealing with shoulder concerns. Spoelstra highlighted their positive trajectory before their injuries, underscoring their contributions on both ends of the court.
In summary, Butler’s absence due to personal reasons adds another layer of challenge for the Miami Heat as they face the Milwaukee Bucks in a crucial matchup with playoff implications. Both teams must navigate injuries to key players as they strive for victory.
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