Tip-off: 0135, 04/07/2021
Stadium: State Farm Arena
TV: Sky Sports
Milwaukee Bucks are just one game away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1974 after taking a 3-2 lead over Atlanta Hawks.
The Bucks are searching for their first title in 50 years, while Atlanta are also aiming to make franchise history by securing a finals debut, where Phoenix Suns await.
The Hawks had a formidable home record heading into the play-offs and will have to ensure the State Farm Arena is rocking once again for game six.
It is win or bust for Atlanta, who have question marks over the fitness of star man Trae Young after the 22-year-old missed the last two games with a bruised bone in his right foot.
However, Young may be risked and could be the inspiration for a 20/23 victory, which is our opening Hawks vs Bucks prediction.
A Look At Atlanta Hawks’ Betting Odds
Atlanta have an uphill battle to secure their maiden NBA Finals appearance after falling to a heavy 123-112 defeat in Wisconsin.
The Hawks had won 13 straight home games, including both games in round one of the play-offs against New York Knicks, but have stumbled recently with three post-season defeats in their last five at the State Farm Arena.
Nate McMillan will be desperate to have Young back in his starting roster to bring a spark to Atlanta’s attack, which was led by Bogdan Bogdanovic in game five with 28 points.
Lou Williams, who replaced Young in the starting line-up, poured in 17 points and John Collins added 19 with eight rebounds, but they will need to step up another level to force a series decider.
A team performance is what the Hawks need and they are usually productive when having home-court advantage, scoring bucket loads of points in the process.
A fast start is needed to boost their chances and we will be looking at the race to the 50-point mark.
Atlanta are 9/10 to be the first team to reach a half-century of points, something they have done in the last three games despite two defeats, and that is the second pick for our Hawks vs Bucks betting tips.
A Look At Milwaukee Bucks’ Betting Odds
Milwaukee are on the cusp of a huge moment in the city as they look to end their lengthy post-season finale drought.
Victory in game five, which gives them the advantage ahead of the trip to Georgia, was even more impressive considering they were without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was sidelined with a hyper-extended knee injury.
He is unlikely to be fit in Atlanta, but Bobby Portis produced a stunning performance to make the Greek’s absence go unnoticed.
Portis racked up 22 points, eight rebounds and three steals in a superb all-round display, and his enthusiasm has definitely resonated with both the Bucks fans and head coach Mike Budenholzer.
“I think his passion is infectious,” Budenholzer said of Portis. “His team-mates love him. The fans love him.
“He brings that passion for the game, for life. He’s fun to be around. I think the crowd can feel that. His team-mates can feel that. Coaches can feel it.”
Another points-fest on the road will be needed by Milwaukee, having scored 110 or more points in nine of their previous 15 away matches.
They are 21/20 to score over 109.5 team points, which is our final selection from the Hawks vs Bucks odds.
Additional stats
Last result:
MILWAUKEE BUCKS 123-112 ATLANTA HAWKS
Previous head-to-head: Atlanta Hawks 110-88 Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks 102-113 Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Bucks 125-91 Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks 113-116 Atlanta Hawks
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