The Atlanta Hawks head back up north to take on the Milwaukee Bucks in a heated Game 5 matchup. The series has been incredibly close, and Game 5 will give one of these teams a huge edge for Game 6. It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Hawks – Bucks prediction and pick.
Trae Young fell to injury and couldn't participate in Game 4. Yet, the Hawks pulled out a win and tied the series up 2-2. Atlanta is a massive underdog in this postseason and a win against the Bucks on Thursday night will be huge for this organization.
Giannis Antetokounmpo hyperextended his knee in Game 4 and luckily there wasn't any serious damage. Even so, he's listed as doubtful for Game 5. He's one of the key players on the Bucks roster, without him, it'll be difficult for Milwaukee to advance.
Here's how the sportsbooks have set the odds to this Game 5 matchup.
Game 5: Hawks-Bucks odds
Atlanta Hawks +2 (-112)
Milwaukee Bucks -2 (-108)
Over 215 (-110)
Under 215 (-110)
Why the Hawks could cover the spread
The Hawks enter this game as the slight underdog, mainly because they're on the road. Trae Young is listed as questionable and is likely a game-time decision, per Sherrod Blakely. Atlanta played well without their star point guard in the last game, but if they hope to win the championship they'll need him back in the rotation.
To at least cover the spread, the entire team must step up and play similar to how they did in Game 4. Lou Williams was electric starting at point guard, as he led the team in points. The Hawks shot over 50% in their last matchup, which is difficult to repeat. John Collins will need to elevate his game, as he can give the Hawks some efficient scoring down in the paint, especially since Antetokounmpo likely won't be playing.
Why the Bucks could cover the spread
The Bucks came into the Eastern Conference Playoffs as a top-three seed for a reason. Giannis might not play, but this roster still has a solid lineup. Khris Middleton has proven to be a beast this postseason, catching the attention of the league with his incredible play. The team will likely lean on him with or without the Greek Freak, as Middleton has the tools to overcome the Hawks.
One area Milwaukee can take advantage of is the backcourt. With Young not at 100%, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton could take advantage of Atlanta's guards. This team relies heavily on their starting rotation, so with Giannis possibly out, the Bucks will have to look elsewhere for scoring. Look for Holiday to step up in a big way, as he could be the X-factor in Game 5.
Final Hawks – Bucks Prediction & Pick
This one should come down to the wire as both teams are evenly matched. If Young and Antetokounmpo are both ruled out, this will be a battle between who has the best depth. With that idea in mind, a quick look at the rosters suggests the Hawks are better suited than Milwaukee. Look for Lou Williams to have another big game while Bogdan Bogdanović and Kevin Huerter continue their consistency. John Collins could also be in for a big night, as he could take advantage of the Bucks if Giannis is out of the lineup.
FINAL PICK: Hawks win 110-107 (Hawks +2)
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