Hawks, Facing Bucks, Aim to Build on Stunning Comeback Win
The Atlanta Hawks return home with momentum on their side as they begin a six-game homestand Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. After a stunning 132-130 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, the Hawks look to build on their late-season push for playoff positioning.
Hawks Ride Comeback Magic Into Milwaukee Matchup
Monday’s win in Memphis was nothing short of remarkable. Trailing 120-107 with 9:09 left, Atlanta stormed back, sealing the game on Caris LeVert’s layup at the buzzer. The game-winning play was set up by Dyson Daniels, who stole the ball with 3.8 seconds left and found LeVert for the decisive basket.
With the win, the Hawks (2-2 since the All-Star break) remained within a half-game of the Orlando Magic for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.
“I just want to win games, and the playoffs is what we’re trying to get to,” said Daniels, who leads the NBA in steals (3.0 per game) and is emerging as a Defensive Player of the Year contender.
LeVert has also thrived since joining the team at the trade deadline, scoring 25 points off the bench Monday, including both the game-tying and game-winning buckets.
Bucks on a Roll, Climbing the East Standings
While Atlanta is battling for positioning in the play-in tournament, Milwaukee is aiming for a top-four seed in the East. The Bucks (six wins in their last seven games) are tied with the Indiana Pacers for the No. 4 spot in the East after a convincing 132-117 win over Dallas on Saturday.
Milwaukee has clamped down defensively since the All-Star break, ranking:
- 7th in the NBA in points allowed per game (108.8)
- 3rd in defensive rating (107.4)
- Holding opponents to just 29.6% on three-pointers over the last five games
Giannis, Lillard Silencing Doubters
Giannis Antetokounmpo (30.9 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 5.9 APG) and Damian Lillard (25.4 PPG, 7.3 APG) continue to be one of the league’s most dominant scoring duos. Despite speculation about their chemistry, Antetokounmpo dismissed any concerns.
“People have created this narrative that me and Dame are not working together, but nobody’s doing it better than me and him right now,” he said. “With time, things will always improve.”
Antetokounmpo has two 30-point performances against Atlanta this season, though he missed the most recent matchup due to injury.
Season Series & Injury Report
Atlanta leads the season series 2-1 after a 115-110 win on Feb. 7, with one more meeting scheduled for March 30 in Milwaukee.
Injury Updates:
- Hawks: Georges Niang (illness) missed Monday’s game. His status for Tuesday is uncertain.
- Bucks: Pat Connaughton (calf), Pete Nance (ankle), and Bobby Portis (suspension) are out, while Kyle Kuzma (ankle) is doubtful.
Explore in-depth NBA Eastern Conference odds and expert predictions to uncover this season’s key matchups
What’s at Stake?
- For Atlanta: A win would strengthen their hold on a play-in spot and keep them in the race for a top-eight seed.
- For Milwaukee: The Bucks are looking to solidify their top-four spot in the East and stay hot heading into the playoffs.
With both teams fighting for postseason positioning, expect a high-intensity battle as the Hawks aim for their third win over Milwaukee this season.