NBA: Who presents the biggest threat to the Bucks in the East?

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a three point shot in the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on October 24, 2019 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

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NBA Miami Heat Jimmy Butler (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

1. Miami Heat

At 27-12, the Miami Heat has emerged as the surprising team in the East beating each of the top five teams in the conference at least once this season. While the signing of Jimmy butler help establish a level of leadership and star acumen the team needed, the emergence of Bam Adebayo, rookie Tyler Herro, Goran Dragic off the bench and the athletic prowess of Derrick Jones Jr. have also paid dividends.

As the Raptors showed last season, consistent play from your starters complimenting their star player helps push a good team into championship galore. As for matching up with the Bucks, the team as a whole is physical, athletic ic and defensively tenacious modeling their defensive identity behind the mantra of Erik Spoelstra as a coach.

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What they also have is an elite on-ball defender in Jimmy Butler that can get after it behind the arc which can provide a sense of defensive deterrence and resistance for Giannis which can knock the Bucks offense out of whack. The key for the Heat will be the consistency offensive from their halfcourt in hopes of them propelling in a series vs. Milwaukee whether it be from their role players or their All-NBA talent Jimmy Butler.

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