3 Bold Predictions for Hawks-Bucks Game 5

The Eastern Conference Finals is the last series to be decided before the NBA Finals kick off next week. The Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks are both hurting and with the series tied at 2-2, anything can happen in Game 5. Here are my three bold predictions for this critical Game 5.

Bobby Portis notches a double-double

I'm an active member of the Bobby Portis fan club and tonight will show why. Portis has been an energizer bunny every time he has stepped on the floor in this series.

After getting limited playing time in the Brooklyn series, Portis has cherished every second on the floor. With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s availability in question, Portis’ minutes are sure to go up.

He’s already scored in double figures twice this series. With the amount of hustle Portis exudes every game, it wouldn’t be out of the question. WynnBET has him as a +120 underdog to do so, but as a member of the fan club, I believe in Portis.

Nobody on the Hawks scores over 20 points

Right now, it looks like Trae Young might not play in Game 5. If he doesn’t, don’t expect the Hawks to pick up where they left off in Game 4.

WynnBET doesn’t have any of the Hawks’ point totals close to 20 points and I don’t expect any Hawk to score over 20 points. Lou Williams scored 21 points in Game 4 and Bogdan Bogdanavic scored exactly 20. Bogdanavic’s line is at 15.5, with the over (-112) slightly favoring the under (-108).

Atlanta played a great game and barely had 20 point scorers. With the series going back to Milwaukee, I don’t expect the role players to play like stars and leave Atlanta struggling offensively. 

Brook Lopez hits over 1.5 3-pointers

Lopez went through a complete metamorphosis a few years ago and became a stretch five. His abilities to shoot 3s makes the Bucks dangerous and allows for more driving room for its stars.

Lopez is a +140 underdog to make more than 1.5 3s. He is taking just over three 3s a game in this series, but with the Bucks being undermanned, that number has great potential to increase. Lopez is comfortable taking those shots and with Capela in the paint forcing kick outs, he should be due for a high-volume game from downtown.