Milwaukee Bucks vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview: Bucks Look To Get Back On Track

The Milwaukee Bucks had a Christmas to forget as they were throttled by the Philadelphia 76ers, 121-109. The game was not nearly as close as the final score indicated. Philly needed to play a perfect game and make a franchise-record 21 three-pointers to knock off the Bucks.

A game against the Atlanta Hawks is just what the doctor ordered for Milwaukee to get back in the win column.

Bucks Update

Yeah, that Christmas day game versus Philly was awful. Not much to see here.

Khris Middleton paced the Bucks with 31 points while Giannis Antetokounmpo struggled to get anything going offensively. He ended with 18 points and 14 rebounds but needed 27 shot attempts. When was the last time he finished with more field goal attempts than points?

Six of the nine players who saw action against the Bucks scored in double-figures, led by the performance of Joel Embiid who tortured Milwaukee to the tune of 31 points. He seemingly made every jump shot, even those that were heavily contested. It would only be fitting for him to lay an egg in their next game.

While Eric Bledsoe is still working his way back from a leg injury, the Bucks should have everyone ready to go against the Hawks. Check Twitter closer to game time just to be sure.

Player To Watch: George Hill

Whenever he shoots the basketball I assume it is going in, he’s been having that fantastic of a season. When the dust settles, the trade that shipped Hill to Milwaukee last season might go down as an all-timer for the franchise. Let’s see if he can get the better of Trae Young tonight.

Hawks Update

I went to Las Vegas in late September and contemplated betting on the Hawks to hit their over for wins this season. I am glad I did not do that. They are currently on an eight-game losing skid and stand at 6-25.

To make matters worse, their last game was a 121-118 loss to the putrid Cleveland Cavaliers. Trae Young led Atlanta with 30 points while John Collins contributed 27 points and 10 rebounds. While the Hawks’ starting unit had no problem scoring the ball, they got only 17 points from their second unit...not great!

Alex Len is doubtful for tonight’s game while both Jabari Parker and Evan Turner are listed as probable.

Player To Watch: John Collins

The game versus Cleveland was his first game back from suspension and he undoubtedly can lead this Hawks team to better days. He’s a rare talent that can hurt you in the paint and also from three-point range. Collins is definitely one of the brightest young talents in the NBA, and I am sure he will be amped up to face the Bucks in his first home game since returning from suspension.