Bucks vs Hawks Betting & Picks (Jan. 11): Giannis Antetokounmpo Steals the Show in A-Town

Devon Platana

Over half of the NBA is in action tonight with eight games schedule for Wednesday, Jan. 11. One of those matchups is an Eastern Conference tilt between the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks. Though Milwaukee is higher in the standings, Atlanta has won two of the previous matchups between these teams earlier this season, making it interesting to see how the Bucks vs Hawks regular-season finale unfolds.

Although the Bucks haven’t been perfect lately, they have won three of their last four games. Their latest victory was a 111-107 win over the New York Knicks on Monday, where seven different Milwaukee players had double-digit point totals. Giannis Antetokounmpo was at the center of it, scoring a team-high 22 points with 10 rebounds for his 24th double-double of the campaign.

Meanwhile, the Hawks won for the second time in their last three games with Sunday’s 112-108 victory against the LA Clippers. Trae Young couldn’t be stopped as he recorded a game-high 30 points and eight assists in 35 minutes of action. Needless to say, Atlanta needs Young to have a similar performance to help beat the Eastern Conference’s No. 3 team.

There’s a lot to take in before Wednesday’s Bucks vs Hawks game. Fortunately, Betting News has gathered the game’s odds while also having a prediction, the best bets and a player prop for tonight’s contest.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

  • Matchup: Milwaukee Bucks (26-14, 10-9 Away) vs. Atlanta Hawks (19-21, 11-8 Home)
  • Venue & Location: State Farm Arena (Atlanta, Georgia)
  • Date: Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023
  • Game Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time
  • Bucks vs Hawks Info: ESPN, ESPN2, Bally Sports Wisconsin, Bally Sports Southeast

Bucks vs Hawks Odds

Game odds are via FanDuel as of Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 10:50 a.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

  • Milwaukee Bucks -2.5 (-110)
  • Atlanta Hawks +2.5 (-110)

Over/Under

  • Over 236 Points (-110)
  • Under 236 Points (-110)

Moneyline

  • Milwaukee Bucks -136
  • Atlanta Hawks +116

Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks Betting Trends

  • Milwaukee is 9-4 straight up in its last 13 games against the Southeast Division.
  • Atlanta is 1-4 straight up in its last five games played on Wednesday.
  • Milwaukee is 4-2 against the spread (ATS) in its last six games.
  • Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games against Milwaukee.
  • The total has hit the under in 14 of Milwaukee’s last 20 road games.
  • The total has hit the over in six of Atlanta’s last nine games against the Eastern Conference.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction and Picks

Bucks vs Hawks Prediction: Bucks 122, Hawks 117

Bucks vs Hawks Picks: Bucks -2.5 (Best Value: -110 at FanDuel) & Over 236 Points (Best Value: -110 at FanDuel)

After the Bucks won the first meeting of the season between these teams, the Hawks have since won the subsequent two. Unfortunately, winning the season series 3-1 won’t be easy for Atlanta as the team will be without No. 1 center Clint Capela for the eighth consecutive game.

Capela has been dealing with a calf injury for the last few weeks. His defense played a big role in the Hawks’ last two wins over the Bucks, helping hold Giannis Antetokounmpo to just 26.0 PPG on 41.5% shooting in those contests.

Considering how the Hawks have lost nine of the 13 games that Capela has missed this season, it’s safe to say that Atlanta could be in trouble tonight. After all, the Bucks average the second-most rebounds (58.2) in the NBA and with Capela’s 11.9 RPG being absent from tonight’s festivities, I expect Atlanta to get beat up on the glass and in the paint all night long.

Of course, Capela’s absence is good news for Giannis. The ‘Greek Freak’ is averaging 32.8 points and 12.6 rebounds in his last 12 games. Speaking of his rebounding, he’s recorded at least 20 boards in three of his last six outings. That’s not to say he’ll finish with that amount again tonight, but it’s a more realistic goal without Capela being absent.

The Bucks need Giannis Antetokounmpo to dominate in Clint Capela’s absence to beat the Hawks tonight.

The Bucks must also take advantage of the fact that the Hawks haven’t been good lately, losing five of their last seven games. During that span, Atlanta has surrendered the second-most points (123.6 PPG) on 48.5% shooting (seventh-worst) and the most rebounds (53.1).

With the Hawks also being 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games, I just don’t see them being victorious tonight. Milwaukee is 4-2 ATS in its last six games and has won more games (7) than it’s lost (6) in its last 13 trips to State Farm Arena. There’s also the fact that the Hawks are 7-10 (41.2%) as the underdog this season, whereas the Bucks are 22-9 (71.0%) as the favorite.

In addition to backing the Bucks on the spread, I also recommend taking the over on the 236-point total. The Hawks have been surrendering a ton of points lately and the total has also gone over in 10 of their last 15 games. With the Bucks also being extra motivated to avoid losing the season series, there’s solid potential for a shootout tonight.

Best Bucks vs Hawks Prop

For those looking for a Bucks vs Hawks player prop, I’m looking at Giannis Antetokounmpo’s projected rebounds on FanDuel Sportsbook.

As of the time of writing, Giannis’ projected total for the night sits at 12.5 rebounds. While that’s a large number for some, it’s another day in the office for the six-time NBA All-Star. He’s averaging 13.7 rebounds in his last seven games alone, going over 12.5 in five of those contests.

With Capela missing tonight’s game and the Hawks surrendering a ton of rebounds without him, Giannis shouldn’t have any issues going over 12.5 rebounds tonight.

Other Milwaukee vs Atlanta Resources

Devon Platana

Devon is a Master of Journalism graduate who joined the sports betting world in 2020. His favorite leagues to cover are the NHL, NBA and NFL, and has a soft spot for fantasy football specifically. Outside of sports, he enjoys the finer things in life like pasta, live music and getting even more tattoos.

Devon is a Master of Journalism graduate who joined the sports betting world in 2020. His favorite leagues to cover are the NHL, NBA and NFL, and has a soft spot for fantasy football specifically. Outside of sports, he enjoys the finer things in life like pasta, live music and getting even more tattoos.