Will Giannis Antetokounmpo & Trae Young Play Tonight? Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks Game 1: Prediction, Injuries & Lineups

The Milwaukee Bucks host the Atlanta Hawks in the first game of the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. This game is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST and will be played in the Fiserv Forum.

Milwaukee Bucks were one of the favorites to win the championship this season. But in the second round they faced a daunting Nets side who had immense star power. After the Nets took a 2-0 lead, the Bucks were headed for yet another disappointing exit.

But the Bucks came roaring back. Thanks to the resurgence of form for Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo and injuries to key stars in Nets, the Bucks won four of their last five games and ultimately advanced to the Conference Finals with a thrilling win in game 7. With their biggest competition in the Nets out, the Bucks will fancy their chances for the championship.

The Atlanta Hawks meanwhile have been the surprise package of this season’s playoffs. Led by Trae Young, the Hawks easily beat the higher seeded Knicks. Against the 76ers though, Atlanta were the clear underdogs.

With perimeter defense specialises like Danny Green and Ben Simmons, the 76ers were seen as the runaway winners in the matchup. But the Hawks had other plans as they rallied two massive comebacks against the 76ers. The firepower in the young Hawks side ultimately was the difference maker as they won the series in 7 games. Atlanta will now look to continue to defy odds and will be determined to defeat Milwaukee.

Predictions

Game 1 is certainly one of the most pivotal games to set up the tone of the series. Given that both the teams are coming off of seven-game series’ do not expect a high-scoring affair. While the Hawks have looked unstoppable at times, they haven’t had so many offensive weapons to defend so far.

Given that the Bucks have home court advantage and also an experienced core of players with enough playoff battles, Milwaukee surely have an edge over the Hawks in game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals.

Milwaukee Bucks: Injury updates and lineup prediction

The Bucks will miss a couple of players to injuries against the Hawks. Starting point guard Donte DiVencenzo is out for the rest of the Playoffs due to a foot injury. Forward Jordan Nwora meanwhile is sidelined with a thigh injury.

Probable Lineup

Jrue Holiday (G)

PJ Tucker (G)

Khris Middleton (F)

Giannis Antetokounmpo (F)

Brook Lopez (C)

Atlanta Hawks injury updates and lineup prediction

The Hawks meanwhile see three of their players missing time through injuries.  Guard Brandon Goodwin is sidelined due to illness. De’Andre Hunter is out for the rest of the playoffs with a knee injury. Cam Reddish is questionable against the Bucks as he recovers from an Achilles injury. Sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic is also questionable due to a knee injury.

Probable Lineup

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