The NBA Eastern Conference finals are reaching a pivotal stage, with the series currently tied at 2-2. A place in the NBA Finals is on the line for whichever team can get past this final hurdle, as Phoenix Suns lie in wait. But, which team will take game five on Thursday night?
Atlanta Hawks vs Milwaukee Bucks Odds
| Atlanta Hawks | +105 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | -125 |
Atlanta Hawks vs Milwaukee Bucks Preview
Hawks Searching For Back To Back Wins
The Atlanta Hawks should be high in confidence after taking game four of the Eastern Conference series on Tuesday night. The victory means that the Hawks are now level after losing the first of their games with home advantage in game three. It was a strong effort by Atlanta to take the 110-88 win, and was further evidence that they have the players to damage the Bucks. The heavy victory has certainly raised the ante for this upcoming game.
Atlanta were able to pull away in the game in the periods either side of half time. They outscored the Bucks 36-24 in the third period, which gave the Bucks a mountain too high to climb. Lou Williams scored 21 in the victory, while Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 20. Kevin Hunter, Clint Capela and Cam Reddish all scored more than ten points for good measure.
Bucks Still In Strong Position
Milwaukee will still be hopeful of getting past this final hurdle, as they will be aware that they still have two games with home court advantage to go. However, they were beaten at the Fiserv Forum in game one, which means that they will need to be at the very top of their game on Thursday evening. Milwaukee missed their chance to pull further ahead in the series in the previous game, as they were made to pay for their below par performance in the second and third periods.
They scored just 16 points in the second, and 24 in the third. The Bucks were outscored in all but the final period of the game by the Hawks. Their percentages from the field and three-point range were both lower than their opponents, as they averaged 39.3% from the field and 20.5% from beyond-the-arc. Giannis Antetokounmpo endured a quieter night in game four of the series, as he scored just 14 points. The Bucks were led by 19 points from Jrue Holiday, while Khris Middleton scored 16. They were the only three Bucks players to score more than ten points in the defeat earlier in the week.
Recent Meetings
The Bucks and Hawks have both won 13 games against each other in the playoffs. Something will have to give in this series in the Eastern Conference finals, as one must progress to the next round.
Atlanta Hawks vs Milwaukee Bucks Pick
Game five could be pivotal in deciding which franchise will make the finals. We expect the Bucks to take this game ahead of the series moving back to Atlanta in game six.
