*Expect Updates*
Point Guard
Eric Bledsoe - Milwaukee Bucks (vs. Miami Heat)
Okay guys, I waited as long as I could for the Giannis news but it seems as if we’re going to have to be on the ball today. If Giannis is out, Bledsoe becomes a fine play. Bledsoe running the point with Middleton at the two guard is somewhat of a perfect situation. This is a lock correlation pairing, if and only if Giannis is confirmed out. If Giannis is in, I think Bledsoe is a fade as well as Middleton. Giannis just takes up too much offensive usage to invest in too many Buck if he’s in. The Bucks are currently favored by - 1 with a 219 under/over. If Giannis plays, he’s a solid GPP play at lower roster percentages.
Other PG Option: Goran Dragic - Miami Heat - (vs. Milwaukee Bucks) [[ad:athena]]
Shooting Guard
Khris Middleton - Milwaukee Bucks - (vs. Miami Heat)
As I mentioned above, IF Giannis is out, Middleton and Bledsoe become must plays. Also, Brook Lopez becomes a viable third piece to a Milwaukee stack but we’ll talk about him in the “Center” section of my write up. Today’s slate is hard to nail down without this news but keep checking this write up throughout the day. I will be updating my picks once we find out about Antetokounmpo’s availability. Middleton will take over as the primary scorer, if Giannis does not play. If he’s in, fade Middleton and go with his matchup, Duncan Robinson, I like him as a sneaky play today for high upside.
Other SG Option: Duncan Robinson - Miami Heat - (Milwaukee Bucks)
Small Forward
Jimmy Butler - Miami Heat - (vs. Milwaukee Bucks)
If Giannis is out, Butler’s ceiling becomes significantly higher. Butler should be able to take control of this game and control the pace. Here’s the thing, without Giannis, I don’t think the Bucks keep it close. Bledsoe, Middleton and Lopez should hit value but I do think the Heat will beat a Giannis-less Bucks team over four quarters. Therefore, a Bucks team fade is also a viable strategy. If you’re investing in fading the Bucks whole team (if Giannis is out), then Butler is a lock. Bam Adebayo is another must play within this strategy. Keep reading to see why Bam Adebayo is my top play of the slate regardless of if Giannis plays or not.
Other SF Option: Danuel House - Houston Rockets - (Los Angeles Lakers)
Power Forward
Bam Adebayo - Miami Heat - (vs. Milwaukee Bucks)
Regardless of if Giannis plays or not, I will be investing Bam today. Miami’s center has shined for most of the series. Why? The Bucks simply don’t have the personnel to maintain him. If Giannis is out, Bam could break the slate. Milwaukee’s success is really predicated on Giannis playing. Without him protecting the paint, Bam should have a free for all.
Other PF Option: Meyers Leonard - Miami Heat - (Milwaukee Bucks)
Center
Brook Lopez - Milwaukee Bucks - (Miami Heat)
If the Bucks can keep this one close, Brook Lopez is someone that you will need in your lineups. I think it’s important to invest in more players from the first game than the second game. There’s value all over the Heat vs. Bucks game. Your only decision should be what narrative are you investing in? A Heat blowout, or a close game? I don’t think a Milwaukee Bucks blowout is in the cards today. In a close game, Brook Lopez exceeds value easily. In a Miami blowout, he will barely reach value. Today is all about the game narrative.
Other C Option: JaVale McGee - Los Angeles Lakers - (Houston Rockets)
