The streaking Heat could finally see their long anticipated Tyler Herro-Norman Powell duo hit the court together as Miami is set to host the Milwaukee Bucks.
(Photo via Imagn Images)

The Miami Heat, winners of five straight games and eight of their last 10, will look to keep their success going in another NBA Cup matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks at home.

In addition to Miami’s recent streak, they have risen to the third seed in the wide open Eastern Conference at a 12-6 record overall— including a dominant 8-1 at home. The Bucks on the other hand have struggled despite another MVP caliber campaign from Antetokounmpo. They have limped to just an 8-10 record and even sit outside of the play-in picture currently as the 11th seed. Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable to play in Miami tonight with an adductor strain.

Even with Milwaukee’s struggles this season, they do still sit atop of the Heat’s group standings for the NBA Cup. They are also the reigning in-season tournament champions. And this game will have a significant impact on those cup standings with the Bucks and Heat neck and neck there.

But the true biggest storyline for Miami heading into tonight is the long awaited backcourt duo of Tyler Herro and Norman Powell. Herro made his season debut in their previous win on Monday, and amassed a team-high 24 points and 7 rebounds on 12 of 18 shooting. Powell was out for that game with a sore groin, but has been upgraded to probable versus the Bucks. The offensive firepower between the two of them could pose as one of the top backcourts in the entire league this season.

If Andrew Wiggins (listed as questionable) is good to go, it will be interesting to see who the odd man out will be within the Heat’s starting lineup. Both Davion Mitchell and Kel’el Ware have been playing extremely well. Ware especially is averaging nearly 15 points and 15 boards over his last eight outings. Coach Erik Spoelstra will have to decide if he opts to go big or small with that first unit, if everyone is available.

Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):

Miami Heat: 

Norman Powell (groin) — PROBABLE

Andrew Wiggins (hip) — QUESTIONABLE

Nikola Jovic (hip) — QUESTIONABLE

Jaime Jaquez Jr (hip) — QUESTIONABLE

Dru Smith (hip) — QUESTIONABLE

Terry Rozier (not with team) — OUT

Vlad Goldin (g-league) — OUT

Kasparas Jakucionis (g-league) — OUT

Milwaukee Bucks: 

Giannis Antetokounmpo (adductor strain) — QUESTIONABLE

Kevin Porter Jr (knee) — OUT

Taurean Prince (neck) — OUT

Alex Antetokounmpo (g-league) — OUT

Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):

Miami Heat:

Davion Mitchell, G

Tyler Herro

Norman Powell, G

Bam Adebayo, F/C

Kel’el Ware, C

Milwaukee Bucks: 

AJ Green, G

Ryan Rollins, G

Kyle Kuzma, F

Giannis Antetokounmpo, F

Myles Turner, C

Broadcast Info:

Tipoff: 7:30 PM EST

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Sun (Eric Reid & John Crotty)

Radio: AM 560 Sports WQAM & The HEAT Radio Network (Jason Jackson)

Spanish Radio: WAQI 710 AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda)

Come back to Hot Hot Hoops at game time to join our GameThread and chat about the game live with other Heat fans!

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