Steve Starr
- Go to BetOnline or Bovada for the latest odds on the Heat vs Bucks matchup
- Giannis Antetokounmpo has missed the past two contests with a back injury
- NBATV airs Game 4 from Kaseya Center in Miami on Monday, April 24 at 7:30pm ET
Jimmy Butler scored 30 points in a 121-99 Game 3 victory, helping the Heat to a 2-1 series lead over a Bucks team without Giannis Antetokounmpo. With the status of their two-time MVP still unclear, can Milwaukee get off the ropes in Miami on Monday night?
Before we look at the odds for Game 4, check out the latest 2023 NBA Playoff Betting Odds and our guide to betting on NBA basketball.
Heat vs Bucks – Game 4
 | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
| Milwaukee Bucks | -4.5 (-113) | -180 | Ov 218 (-110) |
| Miami Heat | +4.5 (-107) | +160 | Un 218 (-110) |
Giannis still missing in action
Giannis Antetokounmpo missed his second-straight game after suffering a back injury in the series opener. While the Bucks rallied for a 138-122 Game 2 win without their franchise player, they came up woefully short in Saturday’s loss. After finishing with the best record (58-24) in the league this season, Milwaukee is in a whole lot of trouble.
Since 1984, teams that lost Game 3 of a 1-1 series have gone on to win the series just 26.7% of the time (59-162). However, in the four decades since the NBA went to the 16-team postseason format, the No. 8 seed has defeated the No. 1 seed only five times.
Heat take 2-1 series lead over Bucks 🔥
Jimmy Butler: 30 PTS, 5 REB, 12-19 FG
Duncan Robinson: 20 PTS, 5 THREES, 7-9 FG pic.twitter.com/vTmVT4wwzA— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 23, 2023
Miami loses Oladipo
Mike Budenholzer’s club isn’t the only one dealing with injuries. After already losing sharpshooter Tyler Herro to a broken hand in Game 1, the Heat will likely be without Victor Oladipo for the rest of the series. The 30-year-old guard suffered a nasty knee injury in the fourth quarter of Game 3.
That means there will be even more on Jimmy Butler’s shoulders. Miami’s star guard registered 30 points, five rebounds and four assists in Saturday’s victory. He also had 35-point, 11-assist effort in Game 1.
Miami vs Milwaukee
Miami is a 4.5-point home underdog on Monday. Erik Spoelstra’s squad was 29-15 in the Kaseya Center during the regular season, but covered just 38.1% (16-26-2) of their home dates. Meanwhile, Milwaukee was 20-18-4 against the spread on the road this season.
It’s hard to put much stock in any of these statistics though without knowing Antetokounmpo’s status. Giannis is expected back in the lineup, but then again, most people thought he’d play in both Game 2 and Game 3. Game 4’s total is set at 218 points. The two teams have exceeded that OVER in all three matchups so far.
Giannis coaching up Jrue on the bench 👏 pic.twitter.com/yfqZl9NwaH
— ESPN (@espn) April 23, 2023
Best Bet
Oddsmakers still view Bucks in 7 (+145) and Bucks in 6 (+225) as the two most likely outcomes for this best-of-seven series. However, if you believe Giannis’ back will keep him out of the lineup again on Monday, you should consider Heat in 6 (+400) or Heat in 7 (+800).
For now, we’re taking Milwaukee to cover the 4.5 points on the road and even the best-of-seven series at 2-2. But, keep a close eye on Monday’s injury updates to make sure the Greek Freak is playing.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
