Free Picks: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Atlanta Hawks

After losing two tough games in a row to a pair of the top teams in the NBA, the 9-6 Milwaukee Bucks will be looking to bounce back in a big way when they host the 8-7 Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum on Sunday evening. Trae Young and the Hawks have been on a bit of a tear lately, however, and will present a tough challenge for the drifting Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who really struggled in his last game in a loss against LeBron and the Los Angeles Lakers.

It’s no secret that the Bucks have a lot to prove this season. After two straight disappointing playoff exits and a retooling of the roster, there are some expectations that this should be the year for them and their reigning NBA MVP. It’s been a rocky start to say the least. Milwaukee’s most recent stretch, during which they’ve lost two straight to title contenders in the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets, has not been encouraging, especially when it comes to Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Giannis didn’t have an awful night last game as far as the stat sheet was concerned, posting a double-double. But he almost put up a triple double thanks to his nine turnovers. His headlong charges into the paint were too often sniffed out and turned into swipe steals and charges.

Giannis is one of the great players in the NBA, though, so expect him and his team to bounce back nicely, which is why we’re taking them to cover -7 on an NBA point spread play at -130 odds on 22Bet as one of our top picks of the day against a Hawks team that is due for a reality check.

The Hawks have won their last three in a row, including a thrilling OT win over the Detroit Pistons earlier this week, and their star Trae Young has been going nuts. The emerging guard has averaged 40.5 points over his last two games, but a defensive-minded team like the Bucks could be the perfect antidote for Young’s recent outburst.

Milwaukee’s Jrue Holiday is one of the best and savviest backcourt defenders in the league, and he’s the type of guy to dog Young and frustrate him, which should work in Milwaukee’s favor and serve as a big factor in helping Milwaukee cover the seven point spread. Antetokounmpo’s frustration after consecutive losses to big-time teams will turn into aggression and tenacity on Sunday evening, also helping the team on the defensive end, but adding some potency on offense as well.

Last year, the Greek Freak averaged 30.0 points in 11 games following a night in which he committed six or more turnovers. Giannis’ championship-caliber team will come back strong and so will he, so we’re taking the over on Antetokounmpo’s 29.5 points prop at -110 odds on 22Bet. The Hawks are an exciting young team, but the Bucks have the size at both levels to stifle them and win the day.

• Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games against Eastern Conference opponents
• Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS following a SU loss this season
• Milwaukee has won 7 of their last 10 games SU
• Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 30.0 points in 11 games following a 6+ TO game last year