The Milwaukee Bucks will look to avoid a 2-0 deficit when they host the Atlanta Hawks Friday night in Game 2. The Hawks are 3-0 in Game 1s this postseason, but are 0-2 in Game 2s. The Bucks will look to contain Trae Young, who had a massive opening game with 48 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds.
Below is a look at a number of predictions ahead of Friday’s game for the Free $5K DraftKings Pools - Playoff Edition (ATL-MIL).
Hawks vs. Bucks Game 2 pool picks
Which team will cover the spread? Hawks +7.5 or Bucks -7.5
All indications point to the Bucks responding in Game 2 and ultimately winning. However, the Hawks have kept things close in most of their playoff games and are the better pick here.
How many total points will be scored? Over/under 226.5
Game 1 went over this line and both offenses are in rhythm. The Bucks had some poor efforts from Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton, but the former should definitely find a way to bounce back. The Hawks keep creating second-chance opportunities with their offensive rebounding, leading to more points. The over is the play until both defenses prove otherwise.
Which team will reach 30 points first?
Atlanta’s perimeter shooting and Young’s ability to get hot make this a risky pick, but the Bucks have to start fast in this one. Expect Giannis Antetokounmpo to be more aggressive early and try to get his shooters open looks. The Bucks are the pick here.
Which team will hit more 3-pointers?
The Hawks and Bucks combined for 68 three-point attempts in Game 1 and only managed to hit 16, splitting that total evenly. Both units are not opposed to chucking away, but the Bucks are more likely have better showings from shooters. Take Milwaukee cautiously.
Which player will have more points and rebounds? John Collins or Jrue Holiday
Collins was the late hero in Game 1, hitting a key triple to cut the deficit to 111-110 en route to Atlanta’s win. Holiday was amazing in Game 1, scoring 33 points. Collins would’ve won this battle 38-37 in Game 1 and is the more consistent presence in both categories. Take Atlanta’s big man in this bet.
Trae Young points, rebounds and assists? Over/under 43.5
After Game 1, there’s no way you’d be able to take the under on this bet. Young is essentially a lock to record 20 points and 10 assists. While that still leaves 14 points, rebounds and assists for the over to hit, the Bucks have shown no ability to stop Young from scoring. Take the over.
Giannis Antetokounmpo points, rebounds and assists? Over/under 52.5
This is a massive number, even for someone of Antetokounmpo’s caliber. Expect him to get involved early in Game 1 and be aggressive, freeing up Milwaukee’s shooters for better looks in the process. This has the makings of a big game for Antetokounmpo, so the over might be the play for this one, but the under is not a bad option for those thinking the Greek Freak will be less active in this one.
Which team will win the 4th quarter?
The teams were even in the final period of Game 1, but the Bucks are more likely to get the job done this time around after faltering in the opener. Middleton should have a better time closing out the game and Milwaukee should do a better job securing rebounds late. Take the home team here.
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