(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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Heat finally vindicated for commitment to unproven young coreThe Heat were right. (allucanheat – 11/26/25)
Here’s a few excerpts that make a lot of sense:
Was this a pending approval post?
Oh, wait, I thought it was the same one as below. Ha. Lengthwise anyway.
Some good points. It’s why I stated that even without Powell, this group would NOT be 6-11 or 6-12. They may not be 12-6 without him, but this has been success by committee, not due to any one player. And I am not just a subjective homer by saying that. But I know the approach of the negative nellys who try their hardest to find the dark cloud around every silver lining. If any fan can’t appreciate the improvement this team has made, I pity the poor fool (thank you, Mr T!)
Heat commit to old school ideology that modern era can’t denyMiami is proving that Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware can absolutely work together. (YardBarker 11/26/25)
Here’s a few excerpts:
My personal observation:
Miami still has the ability to go with a small ball line-up against smaller NBA teams with Bam starting at center and Ware coming in with the second unit and exploiting the opponents’ tired starters and less talented reserves.
Hey, that was my starting lineup prediction. I’d be happy to see it.
I’m looking forward to seeing Herro and Powell together. It could be a very potent offense Miami is #1 in offense already. How much higher can their ppg go?
We want to win but not sure we want any extra games associated with the Cup.
I believe the only extra one is the championship game. All others count towards regular season.
Thanks. I guess they just adjust the schedule on the same conference games.