Milwaukee Bucks open preseason tonight vs. Miami Heat: Is Giannis playing? Start time, starters, odds
Giannis Antetokounmpo speaks on joining the Bucks in training camp.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Doc Rivers spoke on the star joining the Milwaukee Bucks in training camp after recovering from COVID-19 on Oct. 4, 2025.
MIAMI – The Milwaukee Bucks open up their four-game exhibition schedule on Oct. 6 at the Kaseya Center against the Miami Heat, tipping off at 6:30 p.m. CT. It is the final day of the Bucks’ training camp sojourn to Florida, which began on Oct. 3.
The Heat played one preseason game already, losing 126-118 to Orlando in Puerto Rico on Oct. 4.
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing?
No. There are no injury reports during training camp and the preseason, but Antetokounmpo just joined the Bucks on Oct. 4 after recovering from a COVID-19 diagnosis while in Greece.
After that practice, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said Antetokounmpo would need at least three days to ramp up to any sort of contact.
“We have a good plan, just a conditioning plan to make sure he’s in rhythm,” Rivers said before the game. “Get his lungs back. That’s probably was the biggest hit for him.”
Bucks starting lineup
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said he wanted to see Kyle Kuzma playing with Myles Turner and Bobby Portis Jr. together in the front court and said he plans on playing his starters in the first half only. Rivers added some of his veterans may only play five or six minutes.
- Guards: Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr.
- Forwards: AJ Green, Kyle Kuzma
- Center: Myles Turner
What time do the Bucks tip off?
The Bucks and Heat are scheduled to tip off at 6:30 p.m. CT.
What time is Brewers first pitch?
The Bucks game should be into the second half of play when the Brewers begin Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Chicago Cubs at about 8:08 p.m. CT.
What channel are the Bucks on?
The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.
Not available.
Other than Antetokounmpo, Rivers has said every other player had participated in practices throughout the week. Guard Cole Anthony suffered some bumps and bruises and was held out of some sessions, but he told the Journal Sentinel after the Oct. 4 practice that he’s fine.
Tyler Herro is out for the Heat
The Whitnall High School alumnus is coming off his first all-star season for the Heat, but unfortunately the 25-year-old shooting guard underwent surgery on his left foot just before the start of training camp.
Herro, the 2021-22 Sixth Man of the Year, averaged 23.9 points per game last season for Miami.
Bucks vs. Heat odds, over/under
The Miami Heat are 3-point favorites over the Bucks and the over/under is 219.5 points, per FandDuel Sportsbook.
