The Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks are preparing for Game 5 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals, so here’s the best Hawks vs. Bucks betting pick along with the latest team news and odds update for their Thursday night showdown at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Hawks tied the series at 2-2 this past Tuesday, dismantling the Bucks as 9-point home underdogs in Game 2, 110-88. Milwaukee is a 2.5-point home fave for Thursday’s clash, while Atlanta is a +115 moneyline dog with a total of 216.0 points on PointsBet Sportsbook.
Atlanta overcame Trae Young’s absence from Game 4
The Atlanta Hawks missed Trae Young (foot) last Tuesday, proving they are not a one-man show. They dominated the Bucks for most of the game, leading by as many as 25 points. The Hawks shot 50.6% from the field and handed out 26 assists, while their defense has been spectacular, especially in the second quarter when they built a double-digit lead.
Lou Williams stepped up to fill the void caused by Young’s absence, accounting for 21 points and eight assists in 35 minutes on the floor. Bogdan Bogdanovic broke out of his slump and scored 20 points to go with five assists and four steals, while Clint Capela and Kevin Huerter added 15 points each.
Young participated in Tuesday’s shootaround and could be ready for Game 5. He’s averaging 29.8 points and 9.5 assists per game this postseason, but the Hawks certainly need more from Bogdanovic, Capela, and John Collins who’s scored only four points in Game 4. In 16 playoff games this term, the Hawks have scored 105.9 points a night while yielding 106.2 in a return.
The Bucks are in trouble following Antetokounmpo’s injury
The Milwaukee Bucks were eight points down in the third quarter when Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a knee injury. The two-time MVP had to leave Game 4, and the Bucks looked helpless without their best player who finished with 14 points and eight rebounds.
Milwaukee underperformed as a team and will need to do a much better job in Game 5 at home. The Bucks struggled mightily on the offensive end, making just 39.3% of their field goals and 20.5% of their 3-pointers (8-for-39) while handing out 19 assists and committing 15 turnovers.
Jrue Holiday led the way for the Bucks in Game 4, tallying 19 points and nine assists, while Khris Middleton added 16 points and eight rebounds. The rest of the pack struggled for all 48 minutes, especially the role players who came off the bench. Milwaukee is scoring 108.4 points per game this postseason while surrendering 102.9 in a return.
Trends:
Atlanta:
- 2-7 ATS in the last nine road games played on Thursday
Milwaukee:
- 6-3 ATS in the last nine games against the Southeast Division
Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks Pick:
With both Trae Young and Giannis Antetokounmpo questionable to play Thursday, this clash between the Hawks and Bucks can easily go either way. It’s really tough to say who’ll come out on top especially because both Trae and Giannis might be able to play, so I’ll stick with the hosts to satisfy the odds, as Milwaukee has won eight of its previous nine home games against Atlanta.
I’m expecting a hard-fought battle, so betting on any team to win by five or fewer points at +190 odds is another intriguing option. My best Hawks vs. Bucks betting pick for Game 5 is definitely on the totals.
Pick: Take Milwaukee Bucks -2.5 at -110
Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks Total:
The under is 3-1 in this series, and it is 7-2 in the previous nine games between Atlanta and Milwaukee. Furthermore, eight of the Bucks’ last 11 games went in the under, as well as seven of the Hawks’ previous eight contests overall.
I’ve mentioned a few times during this conference final that Milwaukee loves to push the ball in transition, but the Hawks have done a great job of slowing the Bucks down so far, so give me the under on the totals.
Pick: Go under 216.0 points at -110