The 2021 NBA Playoffs enter the third round and the Eastern Conference Finals now have the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks locked in. This is a clash between the No. 3 seed and the No. 5 seed in the East and takes off in front of the ‘Deer District’ as Mike Budenholzer and the Bucks get homecourt advantage in the first two games. Both teams are coming off hard-fought Game 7s. The Bucks escaped with a narrow win against the Brooklyn Nets, while the Hawks denied the Philadelphia 76ers the final Conference Finals slot.

Game 1 is set for Wednesday, June 23, and the NitroBetting news team brings you an exclusive preview of the Hawks vs. Bucks contest. We go over some of the most important details of the game, featuring a closer look at the teams and key players, NBA betting odds, betting trends, and expert betting predictions. With that, let’s break down the series and start locking in on the best picks. Don’t forget to check out for more Basketball betting odds and lines at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

Hawks vs. Bucks Game 1 Information

• When: Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 8:30 PM ET
• Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• TV: NBA TV / ESPN
• Radio: 92.9 “The Game” WZGC FM (Hawks) // WTMJ 620 AM (Bucks)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: Milwaukee Bucks (-312) // O/U 226.5

READ MORE: Clippers vs. Suns NBA Playoffs Odds and Game 2 Preview – June 22nd, 2021

Why Bet on the Atlanta Hawks?

Prior to the season, nobody would’ve thought that the Atlanta Hawks would reach this stage of the playoffs. They proved naysayers wrong, as they now get a shot at the NBA Finals since their last appearance in 1961. After finishing 5th in the Eastern Conference standings, they were able to get past the No. 4 seed team New York Knicks in five games and pulled off an upset to take down the No. 1 seed Sixers in seven.

Nate McMillan did an exceptional job taking advantage of every opportunity. On Wednesday night, the Hawks will be making their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2015, and everyone is excited to see what the team can deliver.

Trae Young was one of the players responsible for breaking the winless road streak of the Hawks. The 22-year-old guard did break any of his playing scoring records when he finished with 21 points and 10 assists, but he did well in creating plays, dishing out scoring opportunities, and spreading the floor for his teammates. It was Kevin Huerter who led the Hawks’ with 27points.

Three other Hawks recorded double-digits in Danilo Gallinari with 17 points, John Collins with 14 points, and Clint Capela with 13 points. In all, it was a well-balanced game and a good way to build momentum before the first Hawks vs. Bucks game.

Why Bet on the Milwaukee Bucks?

The Bucks get the benefit of an extra rest day before hitting the court, as well as a home-court advantage where they have been exceptional since the start of the playoffs. With more time to prepare and lots of momentum on their side, the Bucks may have a slight advantage over the Hawks in Game 1. Not only can the ‘Greek Freak’ produce for his team, but also Khris Middleton, who has been great at home and played a significant role in their 2020-21 NBA playoff campaign. We can only look forward to what the forward can do following his impressive 23-point and 10-assist performance for his team to close out Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

It wasn’t an easy journey for Milwaukee in the last couple of weeks. Despite sweeping the Miami Heat in the first round, the Bucks were tested by the Brooklyn Nets, and that series produced some of the most memorable moments of this year’s playoffs.

Of course, Giannis Antetoukounmpo remains the center of attention and will hold a pivotal role in their search for an NBA Championship. The 6-foot-11 forward helped his team overcome the Nets with a 40-point and 13-rebound performance, making him the player to watch in Game 1.

Hawks vs. Bucks Betting Trends

• The Hawks are 4-1 in their last 5 away games.
• The Hawks are 4-1 against the spread in their last 5 away games.
• The totals have gone under 4 times in the Hawks’ last 5 games.
• The Bucks are 10-0 in their last 10 home games.
• The Bucks are 5-5 against the spread in their last 10 home games.
• The totals have gone over once in the Bucks’ last 5 games.

Hawks vs. Bucks Expert Betting Prediction

Both teams are outside of the top 10 in the playoffs in points, FG shooting, and 3-point percentage, but they do display defensive prowess. In the regular season, the Bucks won two games against the Hawks, while the latter was able to secure a win. Nevertheless, after we’ve seen the No. 5 Eastern Conference team get good starts in the first and second round, covering the spread and taking the first win is not off the table. Meanwhile, the confidence-filled Bucks are in a good position to take this one if they can get ahead of their opponents early on.

This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at NitroBetting news. Stay tuned for more NBA game previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Basketball betting odds on the sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.