Bucks vs Hawks Game 1 Odds, Picks, Lineups & Injury Report

• The Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks play Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday, June 23rd at 8:30pm EST
• Atlanta is underdogs for Game 1 following their shocking seven-game win over the Sixers
• Read below for the latest odds, projected lineups and betting preview

The Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks get the Eastern Conference Finals underway on Wednesday. Milwaukee is favored by seven points.

Atlanta has defied all expectations to reach this point. The season turned when Lloyd Pierce was fired, and the Hawks have thrived as underdogs throughout the postseason. They are yet heavier underdogs for this series against a Bucks team which just saw off the title favorite Brooklyn Nets.

Milwaukee is looking to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974.

Bucks vs Hawks Game 1 Odds

Odds as of Jun 22nd

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Injury Report

Both teams are missing starters. De’Andre Hunter (knee) is out for the season for the Hawks, as is Brandon Goodwin (respiratory condition). Updates are rare on Cam Reddish’s status (Achilles), but he was confirmed as out for Game 7 of the second round.

Bogdan Bogdanovic’s knee is a worry for Atlanta, too. Having been questionable for Game 7 in Philly, the former King was healthy enough to start the game, but he played just seven second half minutes. Playing the role of cheerleader in the fourth quarter with an ice pack on his knee, Bogdanovic might not be available for Game 1. Danilo Gallinari is the most likely to step up and play the three if Bogdanovic is unavailable.

Bogdan Bogdanovic is out here testing his right knee pic.twitter.com/YiwkKYMoM5

— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) June 20, 2021

Solomon Hill will get elevated minutes if Bogdanovic is out. Hill started earlier in the playoffs, but his role has diminished. The journeyman forward played just five minutes in Game 7.

Donte DiVincenzo (ankle ligament damage) is done for the year, leaving the Bucks short on backcourt depth. Bryn Forbes’ role in this series is something to keep an eye on. PJ Tucker is expected to remain in the starting five as Milwaukee goes big.

Bucks vs Hawks Projected Lineups

Jrue vs Trae

If you were listing the ideal defenders for Trae Young, Jrue Holiday would be in the top two or three. Holiday had a rough series offensively against Brooklyn, shooting 36.1% from the field. Milwaukee needs more from him on the offensive end, but once again it’s his defense that could prove truly decisive.

Foul trouble will be interesting early in this matchup. Holiday is generally a disciplined defender, but Young has continued to rack up the foul attempts even with the sterner postseason whistle.

Milwaukee doesn’t have another good option to throw at Young if Holiday gets early fouls. If Holiday stays away from foul trouble, he’s got the length and quickness to make life tough for Young. Crucially, Holiday’s presence means the Bucks will not need to trap or double as frequently as other teams have.

just unreal defense by Jrue Holiday in the biggest moment of his pro bball career pic.twitter.com/qJe4bYPIBX

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) June 20, 2021

All eyes will be on this matchup in Game 1. Young was inefficient in Game 7 against the Sixers. Perhaps there was fatigue creeping in after carrying such a heavy offensive load in these playoffs.

Middleton’s Role

A deserving All-Star, much has been discussed about Khris Middleton as a second option in the playoffs. He has games where he looks special. He has other nights where he’s the difference between a win and loss.

Khris Middleton In 4th and OT:

– 5-10 FG, 13 pts (most on the team over that time)

– Scored or assisted on 18 of their 33 pts

– Held Kevin Durant to 1-4 FG as the primary defender pic.twitter.com/TdFOW39xTa

— Kirk Goldsberry (@kirkgoldsberry) June 20, 2021

The Hawks have plenty of offensive firepower despite the injuries and even with Holiday on Young. Milwaukee’s offense has been woeful at times in this postseason, and with PJ Tucker and Brook Lopez on the floor, it’s often going to be stagnant. Middleton’s off-the-bounce scoring and creation is crucial.

He had a massive Game 6 against Brooklyn and made some big shots in Game 7. Unfortunately for the Bucks, though, Game 6 was the only time in the last eight games where Middleton has shot 50% or better from the field. The Hawks have good size and athleticism to make life difficult for Giannis – how efficient can Middleton be?

Milwaukee Gets Ahead

The Bucks have won all five games at Fiserv Forum in this postseason. Three of the last four wins have been by more than seven points. While Atlanta has proven their credentials on the road in New York and Philadelphia, the Bucks are a much more challenging opponent despite their obvious flaws.

.@getnickwright breaks down who has the most to gain from winning an NBA title:

1. Giannis: Can claim 'Best Player Alive'
2. CP3: Top 5 PG ever, alongside Magic, Oscar, Steph & Zeke
3. Trae: Best playoff debut EVER!
4. PG13: Locks up HOF
5. Booker
6. Lue
7. Middleton
8. McMillan pic.twitter.com/jme40xoP4R

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) June 22, 2021

Milwaukee isn’t a perfect team by any stretch, but they have much more on the offensive end than the Sixers. Atlanta’s defense will be tested in a different way, and Nate McMillan has some difficult matchup questions to answer if he’s forced to use more of Danilo Gallinari and Lou Williams.

• Pick: Milwaukee Bucks -7 (-108)