8:40 pm
July 1

Hawks @ Bucks

Who will WIN this matchup?

Atlanta Hawks (41-31)

@ Milwaukee Bucks (46-26)

 

Current odds:

Atlanta Hawks: (+130)

Milwaukee Bucks: (-150)

 

• The line for this game is Bucks by 3 points.

• During a postseason defined by fallen superstars, the Atlanta Hawks showed they have what it takes to overcome the absence of a key piece to the puzzle. The Hawks head into Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals at Milwaukee on Thursday after getting even at 2 in the series while playing without team leader Trae Young. Standout sixth man Lou Williams jumped into the starting lineup in Game 4 and recorded 21 points and eight assists as the Hawks topped the Bucks 110-88.

• The Bucks will limp back home with Giannis Antetokounmpo listed as doubtful after Milwaukee’s all-everything performer hyperextended his left knee in the third quarter Tuesday. He did not return as the Hawks put the game away, and his status for Game 5 remains in doubt. An MRI exam on Wednesday showed no structural damage but the club hasn’t revealed a plan for the rest of the series.

• Meanwhile, Young is listed as questionable for Game 5 due to the bone bruise in his right foot. Big man Clint Capela (eye inflammation) is also questionable while guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (right knee soreness) is probable.

• It is advice the Bucks could use as well, especially with Antetokounmpo ailing. Milwaukee already has been without Donte DiVincenzo because of a tendon injury in his foot.

• On their heels after Antetokounmpo departed, the Bucks watched the Hawks go on a 25-10 scoring run until the end of the third quarter. Milwaukee’s 25-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter ended up being its largest of the game.

• Khris Middleton never got on track for Milwaukee, scoring 16 points and missing all seven of his 3-point attempts. Jrue Holiday scored 19 points with nine assists as Milwaukee shot just 39.3 percent from the field and 20.5 percent (8 of 39) from distance.

• Regardless of whether the Hawks get Young back, they know they can play with the Bucks, even at Milwaukee. They won the opener of the series 116-113 on the road and a victory in Game 5 would put them one victory from the NBA Finals with Game 6 at home.

4/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Milwaukee Bucks