Atlanta Hawks vs Milwaukee Bucks
The Eastern Conference Finals absolutely no one thought would be possible heading into the NBA Playoffs is about to begin. After their shocking seven-game elimination of the No. 1-seeded Philadelphia 76ers, the Atlanta Hawks now take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks – led by former Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer – are also coming off an intense seven-game battle against the severely depleted Brooklyn Nets, but the NBA 2021 betting odds will have them as significant favourites to reach the Finals.
However, the Hawks have shown they are capable of bringing down the Eastern Conference’s giants and will not fear the deer.
Talking Points
David vs Goliath: Trae vs Giannis
The Hawks are truly the David of this year’s playoffs. Led by the diminutive Trae Young, they took down the gigantic Joel Embiid and the No. 1-seeded Sixers in seven games. And now, Trae and co. have their sights set on slaying another Goliath in the form of ‘The Greek Freak’, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Young has had a breakout run in this postseason, averaging 29 points and 10 assists per game. He had by far his worst shooting performance in Game 7 at Philadelphia, but he still came good at the right time with some clutch shots to sink the Sixers.
Young is a master of getting into the paint and shooting his patented floater over much taller individuals. But his amazing talents will be put to the test against the dogged defence of Jrue Holiday, as well as the Bucks’ twin towers of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez, who will offer stiff rim protection all series long.
Antetokounmpo underwhelmed early in their series as the Bucks went behind early against the Nets, while his poor free-throw shooting has been a major problem all playoffs long. But despite his shooting woes, he finally played more to his MVP-calibre level in the latter games to lead the Bucks to victory.
After falling short in past years, this is now Giannis’ best opportunity to break through and reach the NBA Finals for the first time in his career. And with Atlanta’s lack of big bodies who can contain him, the Greek Freak could be truly unleashed in this series.
Bogdan Bogdanovic and the Hawks’ injured wings
The Bucks very nearly had Bogdan Bogdanovic on their roster this season. They had agreed to a deal with the Sacramento Kings to acquire Bogdanovic via sign-and-trade in the offseason, but the move fell through and the talented guard/forward instead signed with the Atlanta Hawks.
That signing proved to be a crucial factor in the Hawks’ rise this season. Bogdanovic has been brilliant for Atlanta, providing timely shooting and offensive creation alongside Young.
However, Bogdanovic was hobbled in the last few games of the Sixers series due to right knee soreness and the latest NBA 2021 updates on his status for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals remain uncertain.
Bogdanovic’s injury is another blow to Atlanta’s already limited wing depth, which could be a big problem against the Bucks in terms of defending All-Star Khris Middleton.
The Hawks are already dealing with a big injury to their top wing defender, De’Andre Hunter, who is unavailable for the remainder of the playoffs. Cam Reddish – who has missed the first two rounds of the playoffs with an Achilles injury – is getting closer to making his return, but it remains to be seen just how effective he can be.
However, the Hawks still have Kevin Huerter. The 22-year-old stepped up and played the game of his life in Game 7, finished with 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting with 7 rebounds. Huerter will continue to have a significant role against Milwaukee if Bogdanovic is unable to play.
History
The Hawks will be making only their second trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in the last 50 years. They had made it to the ECF back in 2014-15 under current Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, but they were swept 4-0 by the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers.
As for the Bucks, they are back in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000-01 under George Karl. They lost in seven games to MVP Allen Iverson’s Philadelphia 76ers.
What are the odds?
SBOTOP odds have Milwaukee as massive favourites, not only for Game 1, but for the series as a whole. The Bucks are 1.20 favourites to win the series, while the Hawks are at 4.12.
And in terms of Game 1, you can get Milwaukee at 1.30 on the money line market, with the Hawks at 3.50. Meanwhile, the lowest spread on the Asian Handicap market is -7.00 at 1.81.
The Hawks have been excellent away from home this postseason, winning five of their seven road games thus far. It would not be at all surprising if they gave the Bucks a close game to start the series.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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