Hawks vs Bucks: A Must-Win Matchup for Play-In Contenders
The Milwaukee Bucks are facing an uphill battle to secure a spot in the play-in tournament, and tonight’s game against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum represents a critical opportunity to gain ground. With just 22 regular-season games remaining, the Bucks (26-34) need to close a three-game gap to both Atlanta (31-31) and Charlotte (31-31).
Fortunately for Milwaukee, they hold the season tiebreaker over Charlotte. A second matchup against the Hawks is scheduled for March 14th, making these two games against Atlanta particularly important. Currently on a three-game losing streak, the Bucks understand the urgency of the situation.
“I just know that every game after the all-star break for us right now is a playoff game,” Bucks center Myles Turner stated after the team’s shootaround on March 4th. “We kind of have to control our own destiny. Focusing on stacking wins is what we’re preaching, and that will take care of everything else.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Return and Minute Restriction
The return of Giannis Antetokounmpo from a right calf strain on March 2nd provides a significant boost to the Bucks. He played just under 26 minutes, scoring 19 points on 7 of 18 shooting. However, he is currently under a minute restriction as he regains his rhythm.
“I just gotta trust the coaching staff, trust the training staff and slowly, slowly get back in rhythm and get back to where I want to be,” Antetokounmpo commented after the game against Boston.
Atlanta Hawks’ Rising Star: Jalen Johnson
The Atlanta Hawks, coming off a recent loss in Milwaukee on January 19th (where Jalen Johnson posted an impressive 28 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists), are led by the emerging star Jalen Johnson. Johnson’s stellar performance earned him his first all-star berth this season, following the trade of Trae Young to Washington.
Johnson has signed a 5-year, $150 million extension and is currently averaging 22.7 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, keeping the Hawks firmly in the play-in conversation despite the departures of Young and Kristaps Porziņģis.
Injury Concerns and Lineup Changes
Kyle Kuzma received his first “DNP-CD” (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision) against Boston, but is expected to return to a playmaking role against the Bucks. Head coach Doc Rivers plans to utilize Kuzma in different spots, giving him more opportunities with the ball in his hands.
Unfortunately for the Bucks, starting point guard Kevin Porter Jr. has been ruled out for the game with swelling in his right knee. The team is monitoring the situation closely, hoping it’s not a re-injury to the meniscus he damaged in November.
“We’re hoping not,” Rivers said. “They’re going to do more stuff tomorrow to check. But it’s a lot of swelling and they have concern.”
Game Details and Broadcast Information
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday, March 4th. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN (Ryan Ruocco, Jay Bilas, and Vanessa Richardson) and locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (Lisa Byington, Wesley Matthews, and Melanie Ricks).
Eastern Conference Play-In Standings (as of March 4th)
- No. 7: Orlando (32-28)
- No. 8: Miami (33-29)
- No. 9: Charlotte (31-31)
- No. 10: Atlanta (31-31)
- No. 11: Milwaukee (26-34)
According to BetMGM, Atlanta is a 1.5-point favorite over Milwaukee, with the over/under set at 231.5 points.
You can find more information about the NBA standings and team stats on NBA.com.
