The Milwaukee Bucks are still set to take on the Miami Heat Thursday night, but fans will have to wait just a bit longer than originally planned. Due to a series of travel delays caused by the intense snowstorm in New Orleans, the game’s start time has been pushed back by one hour. Now, the matchup will tip off at 7:30 p.m. at Fiserv Forum, with the action still being broadcast live on TNT. While the game is delayed, basketball enthusiasts can expect plenty of exciting action once it begins!
Originally, the Bucks had a game scheduled against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, but the severe weather conditions in the city forced the NBA to postpone that game. As of now, a new date will be set for the matchup between these two teams, so fans will have to stay tuned for updates.
So, why the delay? Well, the Bucks had arrived in New Orleans a full day before the storm began to hit, but as you can imagine, the city was quickly paralyzed by the heavy snow. The airport remained shut down until Thursday afternoon, and the Bucks weren’t able to leave until after 2 p.m., giving them less than three hours to get to Milwaukee in time for the scheduled game. It wasn’t an easy ordeal for the team, especially given how severe the weather was, with nearly 10 inches of snow blanketing the city. But thankfully, the storm has passed, and the Bucks are now en route to getting back to action.
If you’re wondering what the Bucks did while stuck in New Orleans, the answer is, well, not much. Coach Doc Rivers even joked about how uneventful their stay was, calling it "boring." In an interview, he said, "It really has been a boring three days. You can categorize it as, wow, we didn’t do anything." With no practice sessions available and nowhere to go, the team was stuck in the hotel for most of the time. Coach Rivers explained how the team had arrived early, only to find they couldn’t practice due to the weather, and even the shootaround was canceled the next day.
Despite being in a holding pattern, the team did try to keep their spirits and fitness levels up. Rivers mentioned they had mandatory stretches and lifts, and they even watched game film as if the New Orleans game was still going to happen. "We treated it like it was going to be played," Rivers said. But just as they were preparing for their next steps, he got the news that the game was officially off. At that point, they shortened the film session and moved on to another round of lifts. All in all, the team did their best to stay productive and motivated in such a frustrating situation.
After days of uncertainty, the Bucks finally made it out of New Orleans, ready to face the Heat. And despite the travel chaos and weather delays, the team is ready to hit the court. There’s also some good news for fans hoping to see star player Giannis Antetokounmpo in action. Before the game, the Bucks confirmed that Giannis will be available for tonight’s matchup. The superstar was listed on the injury report as "probable" due to right patella tendinopathy, but it seems like he’s good to go.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Khris Middleton. The team also announced that Middleton will be sitting out tonight’s game. He was listed as "probable" with bilateral ankle injury management, but he’s not quite ready to play. His absence means the Bucks will have to rely even more on their key players to step up, including Giannis, Damian Lillard, and the rest of the squad.
Now, let’s talk about the details for fans looking to catch the game. With the new 7:30 p.m. CT tipoff time, the Bucks will face the Miami Heat in what promises to be an exciting contest. Even with the travel mishaps, there’s plenty of energy and anticipation surrounding the game. The game will be aired on TNT, where you’ll get to hear the expert commentary from Brian Anderson, Stan Van Gundy, and Stephanie Ready. Whether you're tuning in from home or catching the game at a sports bar, it’s going to be one to watch.
If you’re curious about the Bucks' lineup for the night, here’s what to expect: the team will have a probable starting five featuring Damian Lillard and Andre Jackson Jr. in the guard positions, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Taurean Prince in the forward slots, and Brook Lopez holding down the center position. These players will be key to the Bucks’ success against a tough Miami Heat squad.
As for the game odds, the Bucks enter as a 6.5-point favorite over the Heat, with an over/under set at 226.5 points according to BetMGM. It should be an exciting, fast-paced game, with both teams bringing their A-game.
Injury-wise, the Bucks are dealing with a few concerns, but their star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez are expected to be a major force. Here’s a quick look at the current injury report:
- AJ Green is out with a left quad strain.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is probable with right patella tendinopathy, but he’s good to play.
- Khris Middleton is probable with bilateral ankle injury management, and he will not play tonight.
While Middleton's absence is certainly felt, the Bucks still have a lot of firepower with Giannis leading the way. Fans can expect an intense game, and even with the delays and disruptions, the Bucks are ready to make a statement. From their rocky stay in New Orleans to the excitement of a home game, this matchup is shaping up to be one for the books.
For those hoping to stay up-to-date on the latest Bucks news and scores, be sure to check out daily updates for all the latest. With their commitment to overcoming adversity, the Bucks are proving once again why they’re a team to watch this season. So, mark your calendars and set your alarms, because the game is finally on—just a little bit later than expected!
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