The Miami Heat once again will endure a suspension from Jimmy Butler. As a team I expect them to respond off a poor home effort against the Portland Trailblazers. The Heat also may have found something by pairing rookie big man Kel’el Ware with Bam Adebayo. He is averaging 22 point sand 12 rebounds in his two starts. Take the value on the Heat against the Bucks.

Caesar’s. While rookie Kel’el Ware is making headlines in Miami (and deservedly so), another young guy playing some solid basketball is Nikola Jovic. The second year wing has cleared this line in eight of his last ten games. Playing significant minutes off the bench, Jovic has also cleared this line in 9/13 games when playing just 20+ minutes, and without Jimmy Butler (suspended… again). The matchup against the Bucks should suit Jovic well, as Milwaukee allows spot up and transition points at an above average clip. Schematically, it’s easier to attack the bucks from the perimeter - and with Terry Rozier struggling of late, there is a clear path for Jovic to see 30+ minutes again tonight.

We really liked the Bucks had they played New Orleans on Wed night. Weather scuttled that, but the extra day off should be good for Giannis and Khris Middleton. Bucks have scored 121+ in 6 of their last 8 and the Heat, dealing with more Jimmy Butler suspension drama, are struggling on offense again. Bucks have won 7 of 8 with a MOV of 15 and covered 6 of last 8. Eleven of their last 12 wins are by 8+ points. Heat have lost 4 of 5 and are 4-11 ATS in last 15 on road and 7-16 ATS with one day off. Heat looking especially vulnerable lately and Bucks starting to figure it out.

I was curious what the books would open this number at (seems low) with Jimmy Butler suspended yet again and Milwaukee's situation. The Bucks were supposed to play Wednesday in New Orleans but that got scrapped due to weather so they did have to travel back but otherwise no one should sit out Thursday now. I truly despise the Heat so I'm taking some glee in this mess -- and they are a mess right now in losing four of five. Butler has to be traded very soon now or the whole season will crumble. Important for the Bucks as it's the team's last home game until Feb. 2. Their offense is rolling with four straight games of at least 120 points, a season-high run.