Heat at Bucks
THE STORY: The Miami Heat have lost just once in their last nine games and get a chance to avenge that defeat on Wednesday when they visit the Milwaukee Bucks. Miami suffered a 91-82 home loss to Milwaukee on Jan. 22 when guard Dwyane Wade was out with an ankle injury and the Heat had turnover issues with 22 miscues. The Heat have won five straight since that loss, including Monday’s 109-95 victory over the New Orleans Hornets. Miami has held its opponent under 100 points in all nine games of its recent hot stretch. Milwaukee is looking to sweep a three-game homestand that began with victories over the Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons. Guard Brandon Jennings had 21 points in Monday’s victory over Detroit as the Bucks scored 100 or more for the fourth straight game. Jennings had 23 points in the recent victory over the Heat. LeBron James led Miami with 28 points.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Miami), Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
ABOUT THE HEAT (16-5): Miami had turnover issues earlier this season, particularly in the loss to the Bucks. Things have improved despite the Heat’s average of 15.8, one of the highest figures in the league. Miami has been taking better care of the basketball and has cut out some of the silly mistakes. “You see better concentration from our players,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. Miami is 11-2 this season when committing fewer turnovers than its opponent.
ABOUT THE BUCKS (9-11): Forward Stephen Jackson never got into Monday’s victory over the Pistons after returning from a one-game suspension for berating an official. Bucks coach Scott Skiles said he made the decision because of how well Milwaukee had played the previous few games. Jackson last started on Jan. 17 and the Bucks are 5-2 since he was removed. “We are playing well without me in the lineup but it’s all good,” Jackson said. “It’s all about winning.” Jackson is Milwaukee’s second-leading scorer (12.8) but has reached double digits just once in his last seven games.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Miami’s 82 points against the Bucks on Jan. 22 are a season low. The Heat average 104.1 per game.
2. Milwaukee center Drew Gooden is averaging 20.7 points in three games since moving into the starting lineup to replace injured Andrew Bogut.
3. Wade is averaging 21.7 points in three games since returning from an ankle injury.