(Basketball news) The 2023-24 NBA season is settling in as teams around the league have a clearer idea of their strengths and weaknesses after an offseason full of changes. One team that went through a major offseason reshuffle was the Milwaukee Bucks (12-5), who added seven-time All-NBA selection Damian Lillard to the roster after a shock 2023 Playoffs first-round exit at the hands of the Miami Heat (10-7). The Bucks will hope to draw first blood against the Heat this season when they face-off in an In-Season Tournament clash on Wednesday, 6:00 AM, available live on Sports18-1 HD, Sports18-3, JioCinema, and NBA League Pass.
The Bucks became the third No. 1 seed in NBA history to lose to the No. 8 seed in the Playoffs when the Miami Heat beat them en-route to their second NBA Finals appearance in four seasons. This prompted a roster reshuffle in Milwaukee where they traded for Damian Lillard, a player that the Heat had also made attempts to acquire over the offseason. The Bucks will go into Miami with a need to prove their dominance over a team they’ve struggled with in the past. The Bucks will hope Khris Middleton (foot) can play against the Heat, missing the Bucks last game.
The Miami Heat will come into the matchup depleted with injuries to Tyler Herro (ankle) and Dru Smith (knee) ruling them out, along with missed games over the last week for Jimmy Butler (ankle), Bam Adebayo (hip), and Duncan Robinson (thumb). This is a must-win contest for the Heat if they want to advance in the In-Season Tournament, with rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. getting an opportunity to shine in featured role.
The Bucks are 3-0 in the In-Season Tournament and can win East Group B by beating the Heat and clinching a spot in the knockout rounds. If Miami (2-1) wins and the New York Knicks (2-1) defeat the Charlotte Hornets, it would come down to point differential between these teams for a wildcard spot. The only teams to have already sealed qualification to the knockout rounds are the Los Angeles Lakers in the West and the Indiana Pacers in the East.
All the action from the 2023-24 NBA season will be available for fans in India at Sports18-1 HD, Sports18-3, JioCinema, and NBA League Pass, which is accessible on the NBA App.
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