Atlanta Hawks at Milwaukee Bucks Predictions 3/9/22

Atlanta Hawks (31-33 SU, 28-36-0 ATS) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (41-25 SU, 30-36-0 ATS)
When: Wednesday March 09 2022, 08:00 PM (ET)
Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
TV: BSSE-ATL

Point Spread: ATL +5.5/MIL -5.5 (Opened MIL -5.5 at GTBets)
Total: 237 (Opened at 236.5)
Money Line: Atlanta Hawks 186/Milwaukee Bucks -233
Power Rating:

Probable Starting Lineups

Atlanta Hawks PG Trae Young, SG Kevin Huerter P, SF De’Andre Hunter, PF John Collins, C Clint Capela
Milwaukee Bucks PG Jrue Holiday, SG Grayson Allen Q, SF Khris Middleton, PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, C Bobby Portis

Key Injuries

Atlanta Hawks Kevin Huerter: Shoulder (PROBABLE)

Milwaukee Bucks Grayson Allen: Hip (QUESTIONABLE) George Hill: Neck (OUT) Pat Connaughton: Finger (OUT) Brook Lopez: Back (OUT)

The Milwaukee Bucks host the Atlanta Hawks in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 08:00 PM ET at the Fiserv Forum.

Recent Form

The Atlanta Hawks come into this game with an overall record of 31-33, placing them 10th in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, Atlanta has struggled in their 32 road contests, sitting at 12-20. Over their last five games, the Hawks have played well, picking up 3 wins. During this stretch, Atlanta is averaging 116.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 112.5. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 109.0 points per contest. The Hawks have been picking up wins, while holding opponents to an average of 112.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 111.8. In the Atlanta Hawks’ most recent game, the team fell to Detroit by a score of 113-110.

The Milwaukee Bucks come into this game with an overall record of 41-25, placing them 3rd in the Eastern Conference. So far, Milwaukee is above .500 at home, holding a record of 23-12. The Bucks have played well over their last five games, picking up 5 wins. During this stretch, Milwaukee is averaging 128.0 points per game, 14.0 points more than their season average of 114.5. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 109.0 points per contest. Even though the Bucks have been adding to the win column, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 115.0 points per game, up from Milwaukee’s usual rate of 110.4. In the Milwaukee Bucks’ most recent game, Milwaukee took down the Okla City by a score of 142-115.

Individual Player Analysis

As Atlanta travels to take on the Milwaukee Bucks, the Hawks’ leading scorer is Trae Young. Through 59 games, Young is averaging 27 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 54.0% of his games. As Young gets set to take on the Bucks, he could be in line for a big game as Milwaukee is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 51.92% of their games. This figure places them 21st among NBA defenses. On the other side, Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks in scoring, averaging 29 points across his 55 games. Throughout the season, Antetokounmpo has outscored his season average in 45.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, Antetokounmpo will need to do so against a Hawks defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 42.31%. This figure is good for a rank of 8th in the league.

Matchup Analysis

The Hawks come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 111.8 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Atlanta is winning at a rate of 39%. These victories are coming by an average margin of 11.0 points. On the other side, the Bucks hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 22 games as the better defensive team, picking up 16 wins (73%).

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks have met up for 2 games. In their last meeting, Atlanta picked up a 121-114 win.

How the Public is Betting the Hawks vs Bucks

67% are betting the Bucks against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 236.5

More Picks: Chicago at Detroit – NBA Best Bet >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Hawks are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games playing on 1 days rest.
• Hawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
• Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
• Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into this matchup, the Milwaukee Bucks have rattled off five straight wins, on their way to moving into a tie for second place in the East. On the other side, the Hawks are in the middle of the race for a play-in tournament birth. Atlanta has the advantage of playing with an extra day’s rest, as the Bucks are coming off a road win over the Thunder. Even still, I like Milwaukee to continue their hot play as they cover the spread vs the Hawks.