The Atlanta Hawks (20-49) will attempt to put an end to their five-game losing streak when they go head-to-head against the Milwaukee Bucks (36-32) at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The game can be seen on Fox Sports Net Wisconsin at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 215.5 points with Milwaukee opening as a 10.5-point favorite.
Atlanta Hawks at Milwaukee Bucks ATS Prediction
The last time the Hawks played, they were beaten by the Charlotte Hornets, 129-117. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Charlotte’s largest strengths. They made 30 trips to the line, while Atlanta went 26 times. Taurean Prince led Atlanta in scoring with 22 points on 8-for-18 shooting.
The Bucks were beaten by the Orlando Magic in their last matchup, 126-117. One of Orlando’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 20-23 (87.0 percent), while the Bucks were 9-12 (75.0 percent). With 38 points on 16-for-29 shooting, Giannis Antetokounmpo was the game’s leading scorer.
Milwaukee figures to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Bucks rank eighth in offensive efficiency, while Atlanta ranks 22nd in defensive efficiency.
Atlanta comes into the game with records of 20-49 straight up (SU) and 33-34-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Hawks’ 69 games, 35 have finished under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee owns records of 36-32 SU and 28-35-5 ATS. In opposition of Atlanta, Bucks games have a slight tendency to finish over the total (50.0 percent).
The Bucks have won both contests against the Hawks this season, including a 97-92 victory in their last matchup. Milwaukee was unable to cover as an 8-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 189 points, which was 19 points below the projected point total of 208 points. Milwaukee had a better turnover percentage (9.5 vs. 11.2). Atlanta, on the other hand, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (14-20; 70.0 percent). Antetokounmpo put up a double-double in the victory with 15 points and 15 rebounds.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Bucks, ATS Winner – Hawks, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Atlanta is 15-15-2 ATS with 19 unders and 13 overs.
At home, Milwaukee is 11-21-3 ATS with 17 overs, 17 unders and 1 push.
Milwaukee is 16-5 when they allow below 100 points, while Atlanta is 9-4.
In games where they score over 100 points, the Hawks are 18-28 and the Bucks are 30-16.
Milwaukee averages 8.5 steals per game, which ranks fourth in the league. Atlanta ranks 27th in steals allowed per game (8.7).
The Bucks rank second in fast break points allowed per game (9.7) while the Hawks rank 24th (13.2).
Milwaukee ranks fourth in blocks allowed per game (4.3) while Atlanta ranks 24th (5.3).
The Bucks rank ninth in points in the paint per game (46.0) while the Hawks rank 28th (40.7).
Milwaukee ranks sixth in points off turnovers per game (17.8) while Atlanta ranks 25th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.8).
The Hawks rank 10th in three pointers attempted per game (30.4) while the Bucks rank 26th (24.5).
Atlanta ranks 15th in second chance points per game (12.3) while Milwaukee ranks 29th (10.3).
The Bucks rank 17th in assists allowed per game (23.3) while the Hawks rank last (26.0).
Neither of these teams are great at rebounding the ball. Atlanta is 25th in the NBA with 41.2 rebounds per game while Milwaukee is last with 39.6 rebounds per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Atlanta is 0-5 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Hawks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 14.4, up from 5.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bucks have scored an average of 109.2 points per game (4.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 108.6 points per game (3.0 above their season average).
*****
