Hawks Set to Capitalize vs. Undermanned Bucks

The tide of the Eastern Conference final might have dramatically turned with one hyperextended left knee. That injured joint belongs to Milwaukee mega-star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is considered doubtful for Thursday’s fifth game of the tied conference final between the host Bucks (56-31 SU, 40-47 ATS) and the plucky Atlanta Hawks (51-37 SU, 49-38-1 ATS).

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Giannis factor has played havoc with the betting lines. Milwaukee opened at -5.5 but is all the way down at -2 in most spots. The total has plummeted from 220.5 all the way down to 215.

Atlanta News & Notes

The Hawks certainly catch a break with Giannis not expected to play, but they’ll be banged-up, as well. Superstar point guard Trae Young is considered questionable for Thursday after he missed Game 4 with a bone bruise in his right foot. He’s joined in the questionable department by big man Clint Capela, who was elbowed in the face in Tuesday’s victory.

If Young can’t go, you can expect the Hawks to look to a veteran guard to turn back the clock again Thursday. Lou Williams looked like a man in his prime, stepping into the starting lineup and torching the Bucks for 21 points, eight assists and five rebounds. Williams shot a blistering 7-of-9 from the field while committing just one turnover in the 110-88 rout. 

Milwaukee News & Notes

While the Bucks and their fans have to be relieved that Antetokounmpo’s knee injury isn’t more serious, his absence creates big problems for a Milwaukee team that looked completely outmatched in the latter stages of Game 4. Antetokounmpo, a perennial league MVP candidate, averaged 28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists during the regular season.

As was the case when Giannis missed time during the campaign, the pressure will be on the Bucks’ other two offensive threats, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton. And that duo will need to be much better as the series shifts back to Wisconsin: Both players shot a dismal 6-for-17 from the field in that Game 4 rout and made just two of their combined 14 3-point attempts.

Betting Pick: Hawks +2 (-110)

Atlanta should have a much easier time of things with Giannis out of the picture - and even though they have their own injury concerns, we like the Hawks’ stars to show up and prevail here.