Bucks vs. Hawks Preview: Milwaukee’s Set for a Sunday Matinee

The Atlanta Hawks proved a promising follow-up to the Milwaukee Bucks’ win in Detroit to start 2019, as they pummeled Mike Budenholzer’s former team, 144-112. This afternoon, they’ll get another chance to face them and get back on track after a frustrating loss to the Washington Wizards.

Bucks Update

Milwaukee went into their last contest hoping to let Giannis Antetokounmpo get a smidge of rest while the remainder of the crew took care of business. Instead, the Bucks couldn’t get it done in the nation’s capital as the Wizards shot a stupendous percentage from deep, 54.5%. Atlanta also enjoys stroking it from beyond the arc, they shoot the 7th highest percentage of their shots from deep in the league, and went 14-41 from 3-point land in their last game against Milwaukee. The Bucks will have to try and hope they aren’t subject to another historic shooting night from an opponent. The return of Giannis, who is probable for the game, could go a long way towards rectifying the stagnant offensive issues they faced against the Wizards. Eric Bledsoe and Donte DiVincenzo are also listed as probable.

Player to Watch: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Have we talked enough about the fact Giannis almost had a triple-double in just 19 minutes against the Hawks last time out? Probably not, but his 16 points, 10 assists and eight boards was a stellar mark. Having been subjected to a game without his dynamism on the offensive end, I’m hoping to see him have another shot at an Atlanta frontcourt without a stingy rim protector.

Hawks Update

Without Joel Embiid in their opponent’s lineup, the Atlanta Hawks are fresh off an upset of the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, 123-121. Kevin Huerter, the rookie from Maryland, went off for 29 points on 11-17 shooting from the field. John Collins also added 25 on a hot shooting night for the team in general, with 55.6% overall. They are 2-5 in their previous seven, and their defense leaves plenty to be desired, as evidenced by the Bucks throttling of them last time out. Kent Bazemore, Miles Plumlee and Taurean Prince are all out.

Player to Watch: Kevin Huerter

As someone several pundits targeted as a potential Milwaukee Bucks selection before the draft, Huerter carries some intrigue for anyone interested in following alternate timelines. Huerter’s been having a promising year from deep, averaging 42% from deep on 4.2 attempts per game, but he doesn’t pose much of a threat beyond his outside shooting. Still, watching the Milwaukee Bucks various guards chase him around the arc should be a good defensive test for their parade of guards, who will also be checking Trae Young on the afternoon.