Here are The Game Day’s Bucks vs Hawks prediction and bet picks for Game 5 of the 2021 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. After our Bucks vs Hawks Game 5 prediction, check out our 2021 NBA Playoffs Power Rankings & our full 2021 NBA Playoffs Guide.
After losing Games 2 and 3, the Atlanta Hawks bounced back with a huge 110-88 win in Game 4 to even the series at 2-2 despite missing Trae Young (ankle). A major reason for Milwaukee’s loss was the scary knee injury suffered by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was forced to exit Game 4 midway through the third quarter with a hyperextended left knee.
While there is no structural damage, Giannis is currently doubtful for Game 5, which could have major ramifications on the outcome of the game as well as the series. Young remains questionable for Game 5 as well, so there’s a chance both teams will be without their superstars tonight.
The 2021 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 will start at 8:30 p.m. ET on July 1, airing on TNT, with the Bucks favored by two points at home per BetMGM.
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Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks Game 5 Prediction
This series has been a rollercoaster. The Hawks squeaked out a three-point road win in Game 1, lost the next two games by a combined 45 points, then blew out the Bucks in Game 4 despite Young being sidelined. Even if Giannis and Young were fully healthy, Game 5 would still be tough to predict based on how this series has gone.
The uncertainty surrounding both of their statuses makes guessing tonight’s outcome even trickier. Assuming Giannis doesn’t play, Atlanta has a prime opportunity to win another game in Milwaukee and give themselves a chance to close out the series at home in Game 6. The Bucks’ offense becomes much easier to contain without the two-time MVP, allowing the Hawks’ defense to key in on Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday.
With Giannis unlikely to play, the real key to this game is Young, who’s expected to be a game-time decision. He gives Atlanta a clear edge if he suits up, as Milwaukee won’t have its top scorer to match him. The Bucks also haven’t been able to find an answer for Young on defense, allowing him to average 32.7 points per game in the series.
The winner of Game 5 will likely be whichever team is healthier. If Young and Clint Capela (eye inflammation) both play, then Milwaukee will be at a severe disadvantage. If Young is forced to sit out again, however, this game will be more even-matched and could come down to a handful of plays. Given the stakes, I think Young plays through the pain and helps the Hawks prevail in Game 5.
With the statuses of Trae Young and Giannis Antetokounmpo unclear, Game 5 appears up for grabs (Image: USA Today).
Atlanta Hawks: Keys To Victory
- Force Milwaukee to settle for outside shots
- Use their size advantage to dominate the paint and glass
- Start fast and force the Bucks to play catch-up
- Limit unforced mistakes
Milwaukee Bucks: Keys To Victory
- Clamp down defensively
- Win the turnover battle
- Limit Atlanta’s second-chance opportunities
- Better shooting from the free-throw line and behind the arc
Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks Game 5 Pick
The Eastern Conference Finals has become a best-of-three, and whoever wins this game will likely advance to the NBA Finals. Both teams are banged up, which should result in a hard-fought, defensive-focused match. Atlanta’s presence down low should give them the edge there, especially given Milwaukee’s struggles from the perimeter.
Over/Under Bet
Under 216.5 Total Points (-110)
The Bucks and Hawks have scored 216 total points or less in each of their last three games. With each team’s top scorer likely to be unavailable or limited tonight, expect that trend to continue in Game 5.
Moneyline Bet
Atlanta Hawks To Win (+110)
Atlanta is coming off a huge Game 4 win, has already won a road game in this series, and is potentially getting Young back for Game 5. The Hawks are the healthier team right now, and getting them at plus odds is just too good to pass up.
Same-Game Parlay Bet
- First Team To Score - Hawks
- Handicap - Hawks +1.5
- Total Points - Under 215.5
- SGP = +525
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If you’re looking to bet big on Atlanta tonight, then this is the SGP for you. Look for the Hawks to pick up where they left off in Game 4 and start the game in attack mode, resulting in an early bucket. Atlanta will likely try to build a quick lead and force Milwaukee to settle for outside shots, as the Bucks have been mediocre from three in this series (29.0 percent).
As mentioned above, Game 5 projects to be low-scoring, especially if Giannis and/or Young sit out. The Hawks are also my pick to win, so plus odds on the handicap make this bet even sweeter. As far as parlays go, this one feels pretty safe to me and will provide a nice payout if it cashes.
