The key ingredients to the Atlanta Hawks success throughout the playoffs has been Trae Young, Clint Capela and John Collins; the former with his ability to break defenses down and go HAM while Capela cleans the glass and Collins logs double-doubles with regularity. The trio was at it again in the opener of the Eastern Conference finals which ultimately led Nate McMillan’s squad to a third straight 1-0 series lead after winning outright as 8-point underdogs per the closing NBA odds at online sportsbooks. For the second time in as many series, the Milwaukee Bucks find themselves down in a series to open it up. They would go on to drop Game 3 to the Nets as well, but then bounce back to take four of the next five games. If not careful, they could once again find themselves in a 0-2 hole should wide open shots continue to not fall much like they did on Wednesday night. Atlanta fell flat in the two prior Game 2’s against the Knicks and 76ers failing to win let alone cover. Will the third time be the charm against a Bucks team that’s 5-1 SU but just 3-3 ATS in its six played home playoff games?
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series between the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks will tip-off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday, June 25, 2021 from the Fiserv Forum. The game will be broadcast live on TNT. We'll have NBA Playoff odds and player props available at BookMaker.eu for this and every game remaining in the NBA playoffs.
NBA Betting Lines at BookMaker.eu
Atlanta Hawks +7.5
Milwaukee Bucks -7.5
O/U 226.5
Odds Analysis
Not much has changed from a betting perspective for Game 2. Milwaukee initially hit the board as 7.5-point favorites and the total lined at 226.5. Game 1 closed Bucks -8/225.5. Hours after Game 1 went final, there was no line movement with either the side or the total. In a back-and-forth opener, the Hawks at one point held an eight point lead while the Bucks largest margin clocked in at nine. Though the combined score just managed to squeak over the closing total, it was a dead nuts over right from the opening tip with the teams combining for 173 points entering the fourth quarter. Including the regular season, both teams stand 2-2 SU and ATS with the O/U also split down the middle and an average of 229.3 points scored. Atlanta has averaged 112.8 and Milwaukee 116.5. With that, the total looks a tad short and Milwaukee is still an inflated favorite.
Atlanta Hawks
Young was a monster going off for a game-high 48 points on 50 percent shooting from the field. He also added 11 assists and seven rebounds for good measure. Atlanta was able to withstand an off shooting night from the injury hampered Bojan Bogdanovic due to its ability to break the Bucks interior defense down and get to the rack. While the Hawks 54 points in the paint paled in comparison to the Bucks 70, nobody will ever forget that time Young laid one up to Collins off the glass and the former Wake Forest Demon Deacon threw it down for a crucial bucket to extend a late lead. Atlanta would go on to seal the deal from the charity stripe where they shined in converting 14 of 16 overall opportunities.
Milwaukee Bucks
When the Bucks aren’t knocking down their 3-point shots, the Bucks don’t win; plain and simple. Though Giannis Antetokounmpo came a single assist shy of logging yet another triple-double, Milwaukee would’ve been in a heaping load of trouble if not for Jrue Holiday rising to the occasion and going off for a double-double with 33 points and 10 assists. His 5 of 12 showing from deep was the best from long range of any player. The Greek freak missed both of his, while Pat Connaughton and Khris Middleton combined to go 0-for-13. Even so, the Bucks were simply able to do as they pleased close to the rack. Expect Mike Budenholzer to go that route once again for easy buckets in Friday night’s rematch.
Atlanta vs. Milwaukee Prediction
I suggested taking the points with the Hawks in the series opener and expected Young and company to put yet another chill in the air much like they did the previous two rounds. I also stated I’d reassess the series odds should Atlanta do more than just cover the pointspread with the expectation of Milwaukee ultimately going on to win the series. Though it was just one game, I want nothing to do with jumping on Milwaukee at a more palatable price regardless of a number of things needing to go right for the Hawks to pull out the three point win. The Bucks will make some defensive adjustments. With that, don’t expect another banner night from both of Atlanta’s premiere big men. If Young goes HAM once again, so be it. I’m expecting points will be a wee bit tougher to come by in round two - Hit the under!
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