The Milwaukee Bucks fended off the Miami Heat in game 4 of the series to avoid being eliminated. However, it came at the cost of reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis injured sprained his ankle midgame and did not return for the night.
But it was a blessing in disguise for the Bucks as they won the game in OT. Moreover, they saved themselves from the embarrassment of being swept by a lower-seeded team. That being said, they are still on the verge of elimination heading into game 5 of the series.
On the other hand, Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat will be looking forward to wrapping up the series in the upcoming game. Although they stunned the basketball world by taking a 3-0 lead over the Bucks, the job is not finished yet. They still need to close out the series and stop a comeback from the Bucks.
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Miami Heat injury update and lineup prediction
The Miami Heat have risen as the dark horses of the 2020 NBA playoffs. Despite losing game 4, they have a tight grip over the Eastern Conference semifinals. Jimmy Butler has been phenomenal for the Heat as he is averaging 22.6 points per game in the postseason so far.
As far as injuries are concerned, Tyler Herro and Kelly Olynyk are questionable for game 5. So, the predicted lineup for the Miami Heat is Goran Dragic, Duncan Robinson, Jimmy Butler, Jae Crowder, and Bam Adebayo.
Milwaukee Bucks injury update and lineup prediction
In game 4, Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo left the field in pain after a sprained ankle injury mid-game. However, Khris Middleton stepped up to lead the Bucks to victory behind a 36 point scoring night.
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For game 5, there is still uncertainty behind Giannis’ return after suffering the injury. As of now, he is still questionable and will be a game time decision by coach Mike Budenholzer. But knowing Giannis, he will most probably play through the injury if that means giving his team a shot at a comeback.
The predicted lineup for the Bucks is Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe, Wesley Matthews, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brook Lopez.
Game Prediction
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Game 5 is unarguably the most important game in the series so far for both teams. While the Bucks are fighting to keep their championship hopes alive. The Heat want to finish the series on a high note. Otherwise, the Bucks might feed off of the momentum of winning two back to back games and it could be lethal for the Heat.
All things considered, the Miami Heat have the ability to win this game and they will most likely advance to the Conference finals.