Three matchups to watch in Bucks vs Heat Playoff series

Khris Middleton vs. Jimmy Butler

There have been a few debates about which player is more valuable between these two, and are somewhat similar players, but they each have their strong points. Middleton is usually more slow and methodical on offense, while Butler is always looking to use his athleticism to get to the rim and create his shots.

Middleton is easily the more efficient offensive player as he was just short of a 50/40/90 season while Butler’s shooting numbers were 45.5/24.4/83.4. Butler is Miami’s first scoring option, but he averaged 19.9 points per game while Middleton averaged 20.9, so Middleton had more volume and higher efficiency.

Defensively, Butler is known around the league as one of the most relentless defenders in the game and when that fire is lit underneath him, he can shut down some of the league’s best players. That reputation was pushed even more in 2018 when he took over in scrimmages, destroying the Timberwolves first team playing with the third-stringers. Middleton isn’t known for his defense, but his length allows him to get deflections in passing lanes and contest shots well.

This matchup isn’t so much about Middleton vs. Butler each possession, but just what they give their respective teams in total. Realistically, Middleton may not even be Butler’s primary defender, a responsibility that will likely fall on Wesley Matthews who usually guards the opposing team’s best wing player. Butler probably will guard Middleton most of the series and after a tough first round, Middleton will have an even better defender on him which will be tough. The key will be getting him some open looks playing off the ball to get him in rhythm early and then he can go to work in the mid-range post with his plethora of fadeaway moves.

Miami doesn’t have the huge star that the Milwaukee Bucks do, so while Middleton may be the better player, Butler’s success means even more to his team’s success, because they really can’t go without him. He’s the team’s leader in scoring and assists and with no other real go-to options they need Butler to score, but there are scenarios in which Middleton has a mediocre series and the Bucks still win because they have Giannis.

If Middleton can outplay Butler in this series, it’s pretty much a wrap. It would take a Fred VanVleet-like performance from the Heat’s role players to win the series if Butler can’t even be better than Milwaukee’s second option. That’s why their complete contributions throughout the series are more important than their direct one-on-one matchup.

What matchup do you think is most important and what are your predictions for the series? Personally, I’m going Bucks in Six with no hesitation.