Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks December 14th 2024

At 4:30 ET, the Milwaukee Bucks (-173) will host the Atlanta Hawks (+146) in a matchup of Eastern Conference teams. The Bucks are favored by 3.5 points and will be looking to extend their win streak to three games.

This game will be played at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and can be seen on TNT. The over/under line for the game is 227.5 points.

Hawks vs. Bucks Key Information

The Hawks improved to 14-12 this season with a 108-100 win over the Knicks on Wednesday. Atlanta was +7.5 point underdogs heading into the game and covered the spread with the win. The total score of 208 points was well below the O/U line of 237.5.

Atlanta turned the game around with an 11-0 run, extending the score from 66-65 to 77-65. They dominated the 3rd quarter, outscoring the Knicks 34-18, and held on in the 4th despite being outscored 28-27.

De’Andre Hunter’s 24 points, including 4 made threes at an 80% clip, led the Hawks to a win over the Knicks, despite the team shooting just 29% from deep and hitting only 9 threes overall. Trae Young contributed 22 points and 11 assists, though he struggled from beyond the arc, making just 25% of his attempts.

On the Scores and Stats blog, you’ll find predictions, insights, and much more.

Jalen Johnson added 21 points and 15 rebounds, scoring 9 points in the 3rd quarter. Young also had a strong 3rd quarter, scoring 12 points, while Onyeka Okongwu contributed 8 of his 12 points in the 4th quarter.

The Hawks put together a strong defensive performance, holding the Knicks to 100 points on 43% shooting. Atlanta’s best defensive effort came in the 3rd quarter, where they limited New York to just 18 points.

Atlanta did an excellent job defending the three, as the Knicks shot just 26% from beyond the arc, making 11 threes. The Hawks also sent New York to the line 15 times, where they hit 9 free throws.

With a 114-109 win over the Magic on Tuesday, the Bucks improved to 13-11 this season. Milwaukee, playing at home, was favored by 7.5 points but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total score of 223 points went over the pre-game line of 215.

After trailing 33-25 in the 1st quarter, the Bucks took control with a big 2nd quarter, outscoring Orlando 35-26. An 11-0 run helped them extend their lead from 71-70 to 82-70. Milwaukee held the Magic to just 13 points in the 3rd quarter before Orlando made a push in the 4th, outscoring the Bucks 37-34.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 37 points on 62.5% shooting led the Bucks to a win over the Magic, with Milwaukee hitting 54.5% of their shots as a team. Damian Lillard added 28 points, including 15 in the 4th quarter, while Bobby Portis contributed 22 points, shooting 81.8% from the field.

Ready for expert insights?

Register Here!

The Bucks struggled from beyond the arc, making just 11 threes at a 36.7% clip. Portis connected on 2 of his 3 attempts from deep, while Lillard also hit 2 threes, shooting 40% from long range.

Despite a tough 4th quarter where they gave up 37 points, the Bucks’ defense held strong in the 3rd, allowing just 13 points to help secure the win. They limited the Magic to 109 points on 44% shooting.

Milwaukee excelled in defending the three, holding Orlando to just 6 made threes on 22% shooting. The Bucks also recorded 9 steals and 6 blocks in the game.

Not only do we have the Bucks winning this one by a score of 142-137, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Bucks at -3.5.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 227.5, and our model projects the Hawks and Bucks to reach a combined total of 279 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Bucks Eye NBA Cup Finals in Semifinal Clash with Hawks and Trae Young

The Milwaukee Bucks are back in Las Vegas for a shot at redemption as they take on the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Cup semifinals on Saturday night. After falling short in this stage last season, the Bucks are better prepared and determined to advance. However, standing in their way is the ever-dazzling Trae Young and a red-hot Hawks team.

Trae Young’s Vegas Vibes

Trae Young brought his signature flair to the quarterfinals, icing the New York Knicks with a showy dice-roll celebration at midcourt as the Hawks sealed a 108-100 win. His theatrics and big-game mentality have been a staple of his career, including a memorable 2021 Eastern Conference finals showdown with the Bucks. While Young’s ankle injury in that series hindered Atlanta’s chances, he’s not dwelling on the past.

“I remember it like it was yesterday. It definitely hurts, but this is a new team,” Young said. “I can’t let my past affect my mental and my focus on right now.”

Young has been spectacular this season, averaging 21 points and 12.2 assists, numbers matched only by legends like Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas over a full season. He’s received vital support from fourth-year forward Jalen Johnson, who is contributing 19.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.

The Hawks, the No. 3 seed in NBA Cup knockout play, are surging with seven wins in their last eight games. Their balanced attack and Young’s leadership make them a formidable opponent.

Bucks: Experience and Firepower

Unlike the Hawks, Milwaukee is no stranger to the NBA Cup semifinals, having reached this stage last season before falling to the Indiana Pacers. The Bucks aim to use that experience to their advantage.

“I think last year, most people didn’t even understand what was going on until they got to the final stages,” said Damian Lillard. “This season, everybody cared more. We want to be the last team standing.”

The Bucks entered the knockout stage as the East’s top seed after a perfect 4-0 record in Group B play. They’ve found their rhythm after a turbulent 2-8 start, winning nine of their last 11 games, including victories over the Brooklyn Nets and Orlando Magic in the quarterfinals.

Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the league in scoring, averaging 32.7 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. Lillard has complemented him with 25.8 points and 7.6 assists per game, while Bobby Portis (13.2 ppg) and Brook Lopez (11 ppg) add critical depth.

Tonight’s Winning NBA Picks Await! Check out the latest NBA basketball picks against the spread.

Key Matchups

What to Watch

Outlook

The Bucks bring star power, experience, and momentum into the matchup, making them the favorites to advance. However, the Hawks’ recent hot streak and Trae Young’s big-game pedigree could turn this into a nail-biter. If Milwaukee’s defense can stifle Atlanta’s flow and their stars deliver as expected, they should punch their ticket to the NBA Cup final. But underestimate “Ice Trae” and the Hawks at your peril—this one could come down to the wire.