Trae Young is turning critics into believers with his sensational run in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Can he lead the Atlanta Hawks into another win over the Milwaukee Bucks this Saturday? Or, will the Bucks show Ice Trae why they’re the favorites to win the series and tie it all up?
Catch this game live on Saturday, June 26, at 8:30 AM, Manila time
HOME TEAM: Milwaukee Bucks (0-1, 0-1 at home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Jrue Holiday
- SG: Khris Middleton
- SF: P.J. Tucker
- PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- C: Brook Lopez
Mike Budenholzer’s seat is getting warm again. After dealing with Kevin Durant, the Bucks are now facing another tough challenge to contain an offensive juggernaut, albeit one that comes in the form of a much smaller frame: Trae Young.
The Hawks embarrassed the Bucks’ defense, especially Jrue Holiday, in Milwaukee’s 116-113 loss at home in Game 1. Containing Young will be easier said than done, but the Bucks can also punish his defense on the other end. Holiday did that in the series opener, scoring 33 points on 14-of-25 shooting, while Giannis Antetokounmpo had 34.
The Bucks were an efficient Khris Middleton away from winning Game 1, and they certainly are looking forward to him bouncing back after going 6 of 23 from the floor for 15 points. They can also continue getting points in the paint after scoring 70 in the shaded area in Game 1, taking full advantage of Atlanta’s soft first-level of defense.
The Bucks are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games after just a single day of rest.
ROAD TEAM: Atlanta Hawks (1-0, 1-0 on the road)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Trae Young
- SG: Bogdan Bogdanovic (questionable)
- SF: Kevin Huerter
- PF: John Collins
- C: Clint Capela
How about them Hawks? For the third playoff series in a row, Trae Young and company stole Game 1 in enemy territory with their win on Thursday in Milwaukee.
Young put up an all-time performance, scoring 48 points on 17-of-24 shooting from the field while also dishing out 11 assists. He turned the ball over six times, but with the usage he’s having, the Hawks will take those errors with all the great things the former Oklahoma Sooners star is giving them. But that’s also a sign that Young needs more help.
How long can Young keep this up before fatigue creeps in? Kevin Huerter and Bogdan Bogdanovic have to help Young out more in the backcourt. The two scored just 17 points combined in Game 1.
Bogdanovic, however, is questionable to play in Game 2 because of right knee soreness. If he can’t go, the Hawks will have to ask for more support in the perimeter from the likes of Danillo Gallinari and Lou Williams.
The Hawks are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight-up win.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread:
The Hawks will go as far as where Trae Young takes them, but as great as he is, adjustments from the Bucks should slow him down. The Bucks will continue to punish Atlanta inside and get a better contribution from K-Mid. Take the Bucks -8 to win and cover in a huge statement performance.
Over/Under:
Game 1 was played at a faster pace than I expected, with the two teams combining for 197 shots from the field. Take the Over 225.5 in Game 2.
