NBA Playoffs: Milwaukee Bucks @ Miami Heat Game 1
Game 1: Milwaukee Bucks @ Miami Heat Sun. April 21, 2013 7 p.m. ET
Of the eight playoff matchups in the first round, the defending NBA champion Miami Heat going up against the eighth seeded Milwaukee Bucks is considered to be the one series that might be a sweep. The Heat are heavily favored to come out on top in convincing fashion against the Bucks while cruising into the second round to face the Brooklyn Nets or Chicago Bulls.
Before coming into the 2012-13 NBA season, the Heat were favored to win a second consecutive NBA title in Las Vegas odds without much debate around the league. Miami hasn’t disappointed during their title defense winning a franchise-record 66 games during the regular season clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference with ease.
Although the Heat are favored to win this series in convincing fashion, the Bucks have made it interesting heading into Game 1 with point guard Brandon Jennings claiming Milwaukee will win the series in six games. Obviously, Jennings’ comments are a little ill-advised with no team in the league giving the Heat much trouble throughout the season.
Despite Jennings’ comments possibly only fueling the fire for Miami heading into this playoff series, some believe the Bucks may be able to give the Heat a run for their money making this series a little more interesting than once anticipated with Miami looking to make an example of the lowly Bucks on the main stage.
As of right now, the Heat is favored to come out on top against the Bucks in Game 1 in convincing fashion. Miami is favored with a -13 point spread. Although I believe the Heat will pull out a fairly easy win over the Bucks, Milwaukee will put up a better fight than anticipated actually challenging the defending champions on their home floor right out of the gate.