The semifinals of the Emirates 2024 NBA Cup in-season tournament takes place on Saturday, December 14, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and in the Eastern Conference bracket, the Atlanta Hawks enter as the 3.5-point underdogs at FanDuel Sportsbook when they take on the Milwaukee Bucks.
Here's a spread, moneyline, total, and player prop expert pick for this all-important matchup in Sin City with a shot at the Cup against either the Oklahoma City Thunder or Houston Rockets up for grabs.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds
Preview: Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 4:30 p.m. ET
| Team | Spread | Money | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks | +3.5 (-108) | +140 | O 229.5 (-110) |
| Milwaukee Bucks | -3.5 (-112) | -168 | U 229.5 (-110) |
Odds as of December 13, 2024 at FanDuel
Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks Expert Picks
Atlanta Hawks ATS +3.5 (-108), Atlanta Hawks ML (+140)
Atlanta is 4-1 both SU and ATS through four Cup games, and that includes successful wins and covers against the likes of the reigning champion Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and just recently the New York Knicks in the quarterfinals at Madison Square Garden. The Hawks' spot in the final four is no fluke, and as has been the case for all but two of their games in this format, they're once again in a role they thrive in as a betting underdog being 7-5 SU and 8-4 ATS on the season.
There's also an added confidence in this pick which comes from knowing Atlanta just went into Fiserv Forum back on Dec. 4 and prevailed by 15 points, 119-104. Both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard were present and accounted for, but the Bucks as a unit only converted 42.3 percent of their shot attempts, including 33.3 percent from 3-point range against the league's worst defensive unit in guarding the perimeter.
Milwaukee just struggled to fend off a feisty Orlando Magic side that was missing both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, with the Bucks getting next to no contributions from any of their starters beyond their two superstars. They've also dropped three of their last four home games to the Hawks, as well, so there could be a sense of concern and perhaps panic should Milwaukee fall behind knowing that history. Then again, this game will be taking place in a neutral arena, albeit with the Bucks listed as the home team.
There's too much upside here to not ride with Atlanta, who had three players score 20 or more points at MSG and has all of the confidence in the world knowing it can hang with and even defeat pretty much anyone considering some of the high-profile victories its been racking up.
UNDER 229.5 Total Points (-110)
The recent Hawks-Bucks game went UNDER with a total prop of 236.5 points, falling well short of that mark at 223 points.
A similar result would still go UNDER on Saturday with the number set at 229.5 points, so with it being a neutral court with neutral fans (for the most part) in unfamiliar territory, being conservative is the path to success with neither team having a distinct advantage in that regard.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks Player Prop
Jalen Johnson OVER 14.5 Rebounds + Assists (-115)
Jalen Johnson is riding a three-game OVER streak connecting on combined rebounds and assists props of 14.5, having averaged 12.5 rebounds and seven assists during that stretch.
He registered 18 (13 rebounds and five assists) in the last meeting with the Bucks, who allow the 25rd-most rebounds to visitors on their home floor at 45.5 per contest.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Trends
- Dyson Daniels has exceeded 2.5 steals + blocks in 15 of his last 18 games (4.3 steals + blocks/game average).
- Trae Young has failed to exceed 4.5 1Q points in 14 of his last 15 games (2.2 1Q points/game average).
- Damian Lillard has failed to exceed 1.5 steals in five-straight games (0.8 steals/game average).
*all betting trends courtesy of Outlier
