When no one was looking, the Milwaukee Bucks turned their season around. Everyone should notice today in Las Vegas in the NBA Cup semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, still a betting liability despite advancing to this showcase.
My Hawks vs. Bucks predictions and NBA picks doubt Atlanta, as has long been a smart decision, despite its showing up in this moment.
Tip comes at 4:30 ET on Saturday, December 14.
Hawks vs Bucks prediction
My best bet
Bucks -4 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Set aside the compliment the Milwaukee Bucks have been here before. Well, not here literally. Milwaukee did not advance to the semifinals of last year’s inaugural NBA Cup, but the core of this franchise has won an NBA title.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez will not be bothered by this moment. And to be clear, it is a moment. Winning the NBA Cup is worth more than half a million dollars to every player on a roster. Even for superstars like Giannis, winning that money for their teammates means something.
But we said we would set aside that compliment.
The Atlanta Hawks and Trae Young need to be faded for the foreseeable future. They've fallen short of bookmakers’ expectations for far too long. The Hawks were a historical disappointment against the spread last season, going a laughable 29-53 across the season.
They've hardly improved in that regard, sitting at 11-15 this year. Upsetting the Knicks to advance in the NBA Cup is not enough to dissuade that doubt.
Milwaukee has enjoyed the No. 5 offensive rating in the NBA in the last month, and the Damian Lillard experiment is finally clicking. That is the reason to trust the Bucks today.
Hawks vs Bucks same-game parlay
Bucks -4
Over 232.5 points
Trae Young Under 22.5 points
Betting on the Bucks is betting on offense. Doc Rivers has yet to figure out his defensive wants in this stop of his coaching career. And betting on Milwaukee’s offense should push this game well past its total of 232.5.
Combining that thought with the Under on Trae Young’s points prop escalates this same-game parlay payout. Young not scoring should crush hopes of an Over bet. But he moves the ball so well, a bad shooting afternoon can actually boost overall scoring.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Hawks vs Bucks odds
Hawks vs Bucks live odds
Hawks vs Bucks opening odds
- Spread: Atlanta +3 | Milwaukee -3
- Moneyline: Atlanta +135 | Milwaukee -160
- Over/Under: Over 231.5 | Under 231.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Hawks vs Bucks spread and Over/Under analysis
- This spread opened with Milwaukee favored by three points on Thursday and climbed to -4 on Friday morning.
- It toggled back to -3.5 for some of Friday before landing at -4 with certainty.
- This total opened at 231.5 and plummeted to 227 by Saturday morning, then rallying all morning up to 232.5.
Hawks vs Bucks trend
The Atlanta Hawks have only covered the spread in 34 of their last 85 games (-22.10 Units / -24% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Bucks.
How to watch Hawks vs Bucks
| Location: | T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, NV |
| Date: | Saturday, 12-14-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 4:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TNT |
Hawks vs Bucks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
