NBA betting: While bets nearly even, much more money on Hawks over Bucks in Game 6
Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals is on tap for Saturday night, and the Atlanta Hawks are facing elimination.
Even with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to a knee injury, the Milwaukee Bucks cruised past the Hawks 123-112 in Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead. Now the series is back in Atlanta for Game 6, where the Hawks will have the chance to send the series back to Milwaukee for a pivotal Game 7. Most bettors at BetMGM believe that will happen, especially the big money bettors.
The Hawks are 2-point favorites for Game 6. According to BetMGM, 54% of the point spread bets are on the Hawks to cover. That’s a pretty even distribution of the bets, however, 74% of the point spread money is on the Hawks. Typically, that means a lot of the sharp bettors are siding with Atlanta.
While the Bucks were without Antetokounmpo for Game 5, the Hawks haven’t had their own star, Trae Young, in the lineup for the past two games. Young is dealing with a bone bruise in his foot that he suffered late in Game 3. Antetokounmpo is considered doubtful for Game 6, but Young is listed as questionable to return.
The Hawks played great without Young in Game 4, winning 110-88 thanks to a balanced scoring attack and a poor shooting night from the Bucks. In Game 5, the Hawks fell behind by double digits early and just could not put together a comeback.
Meanwhile, four of the Bucks' five starters scored at least 22 points. Brook Lopez led the way with 33 points while Khris Middleton posted 26 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. Jrue Holiday also had a double-double with 25 points and 13 assists. The Bucks also got a huge lift from Bobby Portis, who added 22 while replacing Antetokounmpo in the starting lineup.
A similar effort from that supporting cast will likely be needed for the Bucks to close out this series on the road — especially if Young returns to the floor for Atlanta.
The Hawks are 4-3 against the spread at home this postseason. The Bucks are 4-4 ATS on the road.
Both teams have swayed heavily toward the under throughout the postseason. The under is 5-2 in Atlanta’s seven home playoff games. The under is also 5-2-1 in Milwaukee’s eight road playoff games. However, most bettors in this game are on the over.
According to BetMGM, 70% of the bets and 72% of the money are on the over. The total is currently set at 216.5.
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