3 Bold Predictions for Bucks-Hawks Series
The Eastern Conference finals are finally here. The Milwaukee Bucks, who were absolutely expected to be here, are facing off against the Atlanta Hawks, who nobody expected would be here. Both teams are coming off big upsets of the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in the conference setting the stage for an intriguing and unexpected matchup.
Every playoff series doesn’t go according to plan. Here are my three bold predictions for the Eastern Conference finals.
Atlanta takes Game 1
In its first two series, Atlanta has taken Game 1, and I don’t see that trend stopping now. The Hawks can play in uptempo shootouts or slowed-down rock fights.
They will be ready for whatever Milwaukee comes out with. Atlanta has also gone into two of the toughest markets in the country and come out on top. No disrespect to the fans of Milwaukee, but if the Hawks can handle New York and Philadelphia, they will be just fine in Wisconsin.
WynnBET has the Hawks as a seven-point underdog in Game 1, but I think the signs point to Atlanta stealing Game 1.
Kevin Huerter surpasses his point total every game
Kevin Huerter always seems to be in the right spot at the right time to hit the right shot. While his numbers don’t jump off the page, Huerter’s shooting is big for Atlanta.
Now that Bogdan Bogdanovic is dealing with a knee injury, Huerter will have just a little more on his plate. He averaged 13.1 points per game against the Sixers.
His player prop point total for Game 1 is set at 13.5 with the under odds (-120) favored against the over (+100). Huerter saw improvement from the first series to the second and with more on his plate, he will step up.
Khris Middleton averages over 25 points per game
Middleton has averaged 25 points in a series only once in his career, during last season’s 4-1 loss to the Miami Heat. Middleton isn’t the most prolific scorer in the league, but he is growing into the Bucks’ go-to player in the clutch when a jump shot is needed. Early in the series against the Brooklyn Nets, Middleton was struggling.
Yet in the final three games, he turned things around and began to score much more efficiently. Middleton’s point total is set at 24.5 with the under (-112) slightly favored against the over (-108). If his line stays consistent, I see Middleton meeting it consistently against the Hawks.