• The Hawks face the Bucks in a Saturday NBA Cup semifinal showdown in Las Vegas
• Milwaukee is a 4.5-point favorite in the latest Hawks vs Bucks odds
• Read on for Hawks vs Bucks predictions, picks, odds and injury updates for Saturday

The Atlanta Hawks look to continue their Cinderella run in the NBA Cup when they battle the Milwaukee Bucks in a semifinal matchup at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

Atlanta is fresh off a stunning 108-100 upset win over the New York Knicks in the quarterfinals. Trae Young rolled the dice, quite literally, on the Knicks’ home floor en route to 22 points and 11 assists.

Meanwhile, the Bucks survived a scare from the Orlando Magic, pulling out a 114-109 quarterfinal victory behind Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 37-point eruption. Milwaukee now has a chance at redemption after falling to these same Hawks 119-104 just 10 days ago.

The latest Hawks vs Bucks odds show Milwaukee as 4.5-point favorites, with a total of 232.5 points. Let’s break down my Hawks vs Bucks picks and predictions for Saturday, December 14.

Hawks vs Bucks Predictions

The Hawks have been the talk of the tournament, knocking off the Knicks after also upsetting higher seeds like the Cavaliers and Celtics in recent weeks. Trae Young is playing like a man possessed, dishing out 12.2 assists per game to go with his 21.0 points.

Atlanta’s success starts with their offensive rebounding. They rank 5th in the NBA in offensive rebound percentage, led by the dynamic frontcourt duo of Jalen Johnson (10.1 RPG) and Clint Capela (9.5 RPG). Those second-chance opportunities fuel an offense that has six players averaging double figures.

Jalen Johnson might be an All-Star this year.

20-10-6 every night. pic.twitter.com/BZhsCiM26A

— Zion O. (@DukeNBA) December 12, 2024

However, the Hawks’ Achilles heel all season has been their porous defense. They allow the 4th most points in the NBA (118.5 PPG) and rank dead last in both 3-point attempts and percentage allowed. That’s a scary proposition against a Bucks squad that shoots 39.8% from deep, 3rd best in the league.

Milwaukee’s motivation is also sky high after that Dec. 4 home loss to the Hawks. In that game, Antetokounmpo had 31 points and 11 boards to lead the Bucks.

I expect a much more focused and determined effort from the Bucks’ role players in this revenge spot. They’ve had three days off to prepare while the Hawks are on short rest after an emotional win. Milwaukee’s size with Brook Lopez and Giannis is also a tough matchup for Atlanta’s undersized defenders.

Lay the 4.5 points with the Bucks. They’re 9-4 at Fiserv Forum this year, but just 3-6-1 ATS at home. Still, I see the Bucks being too much for Atlanta here. The Hawks’ magic carpet ride has been fun, but it likely ends against a Milwaukee team with a major rest, motivation and interior size advantage.

For the total, I’m leaning over 232.5 points. Yes, it’s a big number, but these teams just combined for 223 points in their last meeting even with the Bucks having an off-night shooting. With Middleton rounding into form and Atlanta’s defensive issues, points should be plentiful.

Hawks vs Bucks Picks:

• Bucks -4.5 (-105)
• Lean: OVER 232.5 (-115)

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Hawks vs Bucks Odds

The Bucks enter this semifinal clash as 4.5-point favorites at ESPN Sportsbook. Milwaukee backers can get them at -105 odds to cover, while Hawks spread bettors are laying -115 to get the 4.5 points.

On the moneyline, a $100 bet on the underdog Hawks returns $150 in profit with an outright win. The favored Bucks are -180, so it would take a $180 wager to win $100 if they prevail.

The total is set at a lofty 232.5 points, with the over slightly juiced to -115 compared to -105 on the under. Oddsmakers are expecting a high-scoring affair between these two offensive-minded clubs.

Odds as of December 14, 2024 at ESPN Sportsbook. Claim the ESPN Bet promo code to wager on the NBA Cup semifinals.

Hawks vs Bucks Injury Report

The Hawks have a few injury concerns but should have their core players available. Trae Young (Achilles), Bogdan Bogdanovic (quad) and De’Andre Hunter (knee) are all probable, though Jalen Johnson is questionable with an ankle sprain.

For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and Khris Middleton (ankle) are probable. Role player MarJon Beauchamp is also probable despite hamstring tightness. Having Middleton back after he missed the previous matchup is a big boost for Milwaukee.

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