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The Milwaukee Bucks released their lineup ahead of Thursday’s game vs. the Miami Heat. Brook Lopez will return to the starting five at center, while Eric Bledsoe is expected to remain on a minutes restriction. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton are also starting. Let’s take a look at the lineup:
Bucks are back to their usual starting lineup today — Bledsoe, Matthews, Middleton, Giannis, BroLo.
— Matt Velazquez (@Matt_Velazquez) August 6, 2020
Follow @BenSteeleMJS for coverage of today’s Bucks-Heat game. I’m OUT for the next few days (personal reasons — good family stuff).
Wesley Matthews is also back in there after sitting out Tuesday vs. the Nets. Giannis and Middleton didn’t play the second half, though there’s no indication that will happen again vs. the Heat. The Bucks have a little more motivation to take care of the Heat, since they’re at least competing for seeding in the East. Let’s go over the plays and some betting advice.
Fantasy basketball and betting impact
Because of how things shook out against Brooklyn, you’ll see a lot of lineups off the Bucks today against the Heat. Giannis ($11,000) and Middleton ($7,600) may have low ownership again, but this time we should see Milwaukee play its starters actual minutes. This also could not be the case, just what we’d expect to see. So be careful. If it is the case and Giannis plays the whole game, leverage plus his ceiling could make The Greek Freak a great tournament play. It burned us Tuesday but at first was looking like a genius, big brain play.
Bledsoe ($5,200) probably isn’t a viable option until his price goes before $5K or so. He only played 18 minutes vs. the Nets and probably doesn’t sniff more than 25 this evening. With that in mind, expect plenty of Donte DiVincenzo ($5,100) and George Hill ($3,800) at PG. Pat Connaughton ($3,200) is an interesting option for GPPs. He played 17 minutes vs. the Nets and was productive with 19.75 DKFP at a low price. That price only got lower and the Heat are shorthanded.
The Bucks are heavy favorite sat -9 and I’m more than OK looking at Miami even with Jimmy Butler and potentially Goran Dragic out. Milwaukee looked awful vs. the Nets and the Heat have shooters and Bam Adebayo. I think if that spread gets to double digits, the Heat may be worth some dough.
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