Do they have a history against each other? The Bucks eliminated the Hawks in the Eastern Conference finals back in 2021. The Bucks went on to win the title, and it was the last time the Hawks were relevant until this week. They’re also the last two franchises to fire Mike Budenholzer. And Doc has now played for Atlanta and coached in Milwaukee.
What’s the season series? The Hawks are 1-0 against the Bucks this season, beating them 119-104 on Dec. 4 in Milwaukee. Jalen Johnson led them with 23 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Atlanta’s bench had 50 points on. Giannis had 31 points and 11 rebounds, while Lillard dropped 25. Nobody else for Milwaukee could really get going.
What are their odds to win the whole thing? Bucks are at +240 to win the NBA Cup. Hawks are at +500 to win the NBA Cup.
What’s the key matchup? Jalen Johnson versus Giannis Antetokounmpo. We know that nobody really stops Giannis, especially when he’s scoring in the paint like MVP Shaquille O’Neal. But Johnson has done a great job of being a scorer, a floor-stretcher, a facilitator and a defensive presence. He’s exactly what the Hawks wanted John Collins to become, and he still has so much room to grow. Antetokounmpo has a history of going against guys this size and reminding them how much stronger he is.
What’s the key stat? 15. The Bucks are 10-4 when they make 15 3-pointers in a game, and they’re just 3-7 when they don’t. That’s especially meaningful because the Hawks allow one of the highest 3-point percentages in the NBA this season.
Any key injuries? None for Milwaukee. None for Atlanta.
Gut feeling about this one? Everything tells me that the Bucks should win this game and send the Hawks home. But their matchups against Indiana said the same thing a year ago, and the Pacers beat them. The Hawks have been difficult to take seriously over the years, but this defensive turnaround does seem to have some teeth to it.
Prediction: Let’s get weird. Give me the Hawks.
