Maybe it was celebrating Giannis Antetokounmpo becoming the first Milwaukee All-Star starter in 31 years. Maybe it was because the Bucks are young. Maybe it was because Orlando was long overdue. Whatever the case, the Bucks were buried 112-96 by the Magic in Orlando Friday.

That was a bad loss for the Bucks and their coach, Jason Kidd, let them know holding a closed locker room meeting for more than a half hour following that defeat. The Bucks hold a talent edge against the Heat and I expect Milwaukee to play much better today.

The Bucks have won and covered in seven of their last nine games against Miami, including defeating the Heat, 116-108, eight days ago at home. Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker - who has scored 20 or more points six times in the last eight games - give Milwaukee two of the three best players on the court. The Bucks also have a frontcourt scoring advantage on the Heat despite Miami having Hassan Whiteside and a stronger bench courtesy of Greg Monroe and former Heat Michael Beasley.

The Bucks have proven themselves on the road as since Christmas they have beaten the Pistons, Bulls, Knicks and Spurs away from Bradley Center. All of those teams are better than the Heat.