The Atlanta Hawks face off against the Milwaukee Bucks today at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Both teams enter this matchup struggling, with the Hawks hoping to bounce back after a series of disappointing performances.
The Hawks have recently made headlines for their defensive vulnerabilities. After trading away star guard Trae Young, the team has struggled to contain opposing offenses, allowing 141 points to the Los Angeles Lakers and 132 points to the Boston Celtics. In their last game, Atlanta surrendered a staggering 82 points in just one half against Boston, raising serious concerns about their defensive scheme. Currently, they rank 25th in points allowed and 23rd in field goal percentage allowed in the league.
To improve their playoff chances, the Hawks must address these defensive issues. Fortunately for Atlanta, the Bucks are also reeling, having lost three consecutive games, two of which were by double-digit margins. Milwaukee’s struggles have left them with the 23rd best offensive rating in the league, despite the presence of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains a top performer, averaging 31.2 points against the Hawks in their last five encounters.
The matchup presents an opportunity for Atlanta to regain some confidence. The Hawks’ offense, while not stellar, ranks 10th in points and 8th in field goal percentage. However, they are 20th in offensive rating, indicating that their scoring efficiency has not matched their output. The absence of key players like Zaccharie Risacher and Kristaps Porzingis due to injury has further complicated their efforts, especially given their difficulties in rebounding, where they rank 25th.
Defensive Matchups and Key Players
In terms of individual performances, Onyeka Okongwu has shown potential, rebounding from a poor outing against the Lakers with solid games against Portland and Boston. He has averaged over 20 points in those matchups, hitting multiple three-pointers. Okongwu’s ability to exploit the weaknesses of Milwaukee’s center, Myles Turner, could be crucial for the Hawks.
For the Bucks, Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins have emerged as key contributors this season, particularly when both are on the court, showcasing a net rating of +15.2. However, their high turnover rates could play into the hands of Atlanta’s defense, which ranks 4th in steals this season.
The Hawks will need to improve their communication on defense, particularly against a Bucks team that thrives on three-point shooting. Milwaukee ranks 2nd in the league for three-point percentage, and with the Hawks’ defensive lapses, they may face another barrage similar to what they experienced against the Celtics.
As the game approaches, the Hawks are looking to adjust their strategies to overcome their defensive shortcomings and capitalize on the Bucks’ recent struggles.
Injury Report and Starting Lineups
The Hawks will be without Risacher and Porzingis, while Dyson Daniels is listed as questionable. In contrast, the Bucks will miss Taurean Prince, who is out for the season.
Here are the projected starting lineups for today’s game:
**Atlanta Hawks**
G – Nickeil Alexander-Walker
G – Dyson Daniels
F – Vit Krejci
F – Jalen Johnson
C – Onyeka Okongwu
**Milwaukee Bucks**
G – Kevin Porter Jr.
G – Ryan Rollins
F – AJ Green
F – Giannis Antetokounmpo
C – Myles Turner
As both teams aim to turn their fortunes around, this matchup promises to be pivotal for their respective playoff aspirations.
