Bucks and Hawks Ready for Game 6 – NBA Predictions

After taking a 2-0 lead to open this series, it seemed like the Atlanta Hawks had all but punched their ticket to the second round of the NBA Playoffs. But having lost three straight games and on the brink of elimination, can the Hawks force a Game 7? Find out, as you get ready to place your NBA basketball bet.

NBA Playoffs Round 1: Game 6

No. 3 Atlanta Hawks at No. 6 Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee 3-2 Series Lead (3-2 ATS, Total has gone OVER in 3 of 5 games)

Friday, April 30: 7:00 p.m. ESPN

Betting Odds: Atlanta -2, Total Points 190

There’s no nice way to put it, but the Hawks are definitely up against the wall, after a shocking Game 5 defeat at home to Milwaukee. In the game, the Hawks led at halftime, and at the end of the third quarter, but just couldn’t seem to do anything right down the stretch. Atlanta had a 10 point lead with just 9:32 to go, but was outscored 28 to 14 from then on out. It was a shocking collapse, for a team that on paper seems just so much better than their opponent.

For Atlanta to recover in this series, they’ll need to do a lot of things right, but none is more important than stopping Milwaukee point guard Brandon Jennings. In this series, Jennings has been phenomenal, as he’s averaged 20 points, and has combined to score 48 in the Bucks last two victories. Jennings seems to simply get better every game, despite being just 20-years-old, and right now, is playing well beyond his years.

As for the Hawks, if they expect to force a Game 7, the key will be improved play from their two biggest stars, guard Joe Johnson and forward Josh Smith.

The truth is neither showed up in Game 5, as Johnson shot just 6 for 16 from the field and had four turnovers in the loss, not a good sign from Atlanta’s All-Star point guard. Smith was hardly better, as the physically imposing forward disappeared for huge stretches of the game, scoring just seven points. Atlanta needs both players to wake up, and play to the All-Star caliber level they were in Game’s 1 and 2.

It’s hard to believe, but after jumping out 2-0 in this series, the Hawks are now on the brink of elimination. So should they be your NBA basketball bet on Friday night?

Absolutely not. This team simply hasn’t looked the same since their Game 2 win, and many speculate that since then, they’ve been looking ahead to a second round series with Orlando.

Unfortunately for Hawks fans, they’ll never get to see it.

Over the last three games, Milwaukee has been the team that’s looked like the higher seed, as they’ve played sound and fundamental on offense, while also efficient on defense. They seem to get every loose ball down the stretch and make big plays when they matter. On the opposite sideline, Atlanta is playing scared, and seems more concerned with “not losing,” than going out and taking wins.

Atlanta may be the better team on paper, but on the court Milwaukee has proven they belong. They’re going to win Game 6, and win this playoff series on Friday night.

Make them your NBA basketball bet.

Aaron’s NBA Free Pick: Milwaukee +2