Atlanta Hawks vs Milwaukee Bucks 3/9/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Live Stream

Atlanta Hawks vs Milwaukee Bucks Matchup Preview (3/9/22)

The Atlanta Hawks (31-33) face the Milwaukee Bucks (41-25) Wednesday night in a rematch of the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. Over their last ten games, the Hawks are 5-5 with the 6th Offensive Rating and 20th Defensive Rating. The Hawks are coming off a disappointing 113-110 overtime loss to the suddenly hot Detroit Pistons. John Collins had a chance to win it in regulation, but he made only 1 of 2 free throws to tie the game with 1.6 seconds left. The Pistons went on to win overtime 12-9. Young facilitated 12 assists, but his scoring numbers – 14 points on 5/20 from the field – were detrimental to the team. Bogdan Bogdanovic picked up the slack with 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 42.1 FG%. John Collins had a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds. For the Pistons, rookie Cade Cunningham stole the show with 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists. Veteran Jerami Grant added 23 points on 53.3 FG%. Newly acquired Marvin Bagley chipped in a double-double (19 points, 10 rebounds) off the bench. Against the Bucks, Kevin Huerter is a game time decision. If he cannot play, then Bogdanovic will start in his place. 

The Bucks are rolling with an impressive 5-game winning streak. They beat the Hornets, Heat, Bulls, Suns, and Thunder. They beat the Suns 132-122 and saw their trio shine. Khris Middleton exploded for 44 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists on 59.2 FG%. Jrue Holiday almost secured a double-double with 24 points and 9 assists. Giannis Antetokounmpo took a backseat scoring-wise, going for 19 points on 13 FGA. However, he impacted the game in other ways through 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks, and 1 steal. The Suns were without Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Cameron Johnson, but they still put up a fight. Deandre Ayton scored 30 on 73.6 FG%, while Cameron Payne added 23 points and 8 assists. Jae Crowder was all over the court with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Bucks will be without Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton against the Hawks. Grayson Allen and George Hill are game time decisions. If Allen cannot play, then Jordan Nwora or Wesley Matthews will get the start.

Atlanta Hawks vs Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds

The Hawks have taken care of business against the Bucks this season. They blew out the Bucks 120-100 on November 14th and beat them again 121-114 on January 17th. Trae Young dominated in both games. He racked up a combined 72 points, 21 assists, and 12 rebounds on 53.4 FG%. Giannis was relatively quiet in both games; he averaged 26.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 6.0 APG. I like the Bucks to win this game and avenge their previous losses. They are bringing tremendous momentum into this contest and field 3 of the 4 best players in this matchup. The Hawks have slightly better depth, but the talent advantage far outweighs this small advantage. I expect a high scoring game because these teams can score with the best of them. The Bucks are excellent defensively on paper, yet they have played below their capability on that end. Look for total points to finish above 240. 

TV Schedule

Date: 3/9/22
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Arena: Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI
Channel: NBA League Pass

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Atlanta Hawks Starting Lineup

PG: Trae Young
SG: Bogdan Bogdanovic
SF: De’Andre Hunter
PF: John Collins
C: Clint Capela

Atlanta Hawks Analysis

The Hawks know that Trae Young is the key to their success against the defending champs. They won both games this season because he imposed his will in the scoring and facilitating categories. The Bucks will have Jrue Holiday marking him, one of the best guard defenders in the league. Using Bogdanovic to screen Holiday will ensure Young gets some possessions without extreme defensive pressure. Outside of Young, the Hawks need John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanovic to boost offensive production. Collins is a consistent double-double threat who has the range (38.1 3PT%) to shoot from three. He loves to spot up for catch and shoot jump shots rather than take defenders off the dribble. However, he can also play in the paint and post up defenders. Giannis is a great paint defender though, so Collins may be more efficient spending his time on the perimeter. 

Bogdan Bogdanovic can be a secondary ball handler and playmaker for the Hawks. He can take defenders off the dribble and create his own offense. Jordan Nwora, a lengthy 6’7” wing, will likely guard Bogdanovic. Nwora is a solid defender who can play up on Bogdanovic knowing Giannis is behind him to clean up a Bogdanovic drive. The defense for the Hawks is unlikely to stop the Bucks, so they must get maximum offensive production from their core.

Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineup

PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Jordan Nwora
SF: Khris Middleton
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Bobby Portis

Milwaukee Bucks Analysis

Jrue Holiday will be the star for the Bucks this game. Over his last 5 games, he is averaging 23.0 PPG and 8.0 APG. His defense against Young is paramount, but he also has the chance to exploit the Young’s defense. Holiday loves to operate out of the pick and roll, and Young is one of the worst defenders in the NBA. With Giannis pressuring the rim and Portis/Middleton on the wing, the Hawks cannot send consistent help. If the Hawks do send help, Holiday can rack up assists by dumping the ball to the other Bucks weapons. 

Khris Middleton is a premier isolation scorer who can create his own offense. De’Andre Hunter is a solid wing defender though, so Middleton will have to work for his points. Forcing Capela to switch onto Middleton from a screen would allow him to cook the Hawks. The Bucks offense will have a field day against the suspect Hawks defense. If the Bucks can limit the Hawks offense, then they look very good to win this game. 

Atlanta Hawks vs Milwaukee Bucks Daily Fantasy Picks

I like Holiday, Middleton, and Collins in this matchup. Holiday faces a horrible defensive backcourt and can exploit them. Look for Holiday to secure a 25-point double-double here. Giannis had played poorly against the Hawks this season, and the Hawks will focus the majority of their defensive attention into stopping him. Capela is a great rim protector who at least offers some resistance against Giannis. Therefore, Middleton will have a clear path towards dropping 28+ points. For the Hawks, I am choosing Collins over Trae here. Trae has burned the Bucks this season, but Holiday is an intimidating defender. Trae will have a solid game, but nothing that justifies his expensive price tag. Collins can be a vital source of offense with his outside shooting and opportunistic points in the paint. I like Collins to get a double-double here and give the Bucks problems.