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Hawks vs. Bucks Game 5 Odds, Injury Report, Picks, and Prediction

Matt Schmitto Thu 7/8 8:48am PT
Hawks vs. Bucks Odds
(Imagn)

The Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 is upon us, but just hours away from tip-off and we still don’t know if two of the NBA’s biggest stars will be playing in this pivotal matchup. Follow along as we break down Hawks vs. Bucks odds, the injury report, betting angles, picks, and predictions.

Hawks vs. Bucks Game 5 Odds

Hawks vs. Bucks Preview

The two obvious storylines revolve around each team’s superstar, Trae Young and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Young missed Game 4 after tweaking his ankle in Game 3. Despite missing their best weapon, the Hawks were competitive and held a three-point lead when Antetokounmpo had what looked like a gruesome knee injury.

Antetokounmpo hyperextended his knee while fighting for a rebound late in the third quarter. He eventually returned from the locker room but never left the bench. On Wednesday, after undergoing an MRI, the Bucks reported that their franchise player did not suffer any structural damage. That’s the good news.

The bad news is that Giannis is doubtful for Game 5, which leaves the Hawks a superb opportunity to take a 3-2 lead with an outright victory Thursday night.

Of course, that task will be made a lot easier if Young can suit up.

Those aren’t the only injuries the Hawks have to worry about, though. Big men Bogdman Bogdanovic is probable with a knee injury, while Clint Capela is questionable to due to right eye inflammation. The Hawks are also missing De’Andre Hunter, who is out of the rest of the playoffs.

Hawks vs. Bucks Betting Picks

NBA bettors, and oddsmakers, have limited information to work with, at least for now. I think it’s safe to assume Antetokounmpo will miss this one. The harder question to answer is whether Atlanta’s ‘Ice Trae’ will be ready to leave the freezer.

The Hawks have listed Young as questionable, which should leave optimism for Hawks fans. It certainly leaves me flirting with the idea of locking in a bet on their current odds before information regarding Young’s status becomes clearer throughout the day.

As of early Monday morning, the Bucks are 2-point favorites at online sportsbooks. With the ailing superstars, oddsmakers have reacted by lowering the point total to 216.5.

If Young is out again, the Hawks will again rely on veteran Lou Williams. Williams stepped up in Young’s absence, scoring 21 points on 5-of-6 shooting.

It wasn’t just Williams, though. It was a team effort.

Six players on the Hawks scored double-digits, including bench players Danilo Gallinari and the Hawks’ 2019 first-round pick, Cam Reddish.

Reddish, who has been dealing with injuries of his own, has provided the Hawks much-needed support when he’s on the court. In Game 2, he score 11 points in 17 minutes. At one point in Game 4, Reddish turned to Young’s father, Rayford Young, and proclaimed “I’m baaaack.”

Why I’m Betting the Hawks

I think it’s safest to assume Antetokounmpo sits out while Young starts, which is why I’m happy to lock in the Hawks +2 right now at BetMGM Sportsbook.

Even if we receive bad news that Young is out, the Hawks have a veteran presence in Williams who is ready to step up. Also, Reddish appears ready to come out of his shell at the perfect time, when the Hawks need him most.


ECF Finals Game 5 Pick: Hawks +2 at BetMGM