Vegas NBA Odds: Atlanta Hawks vs Milwaukee Bucks
Monday, January 23, 2012
Frank Martin
Milwaukee Bucks returns home for a game against Atlanta Hawks with momentum on its side. The Bucks are coming off back-to-back road wins over New York and Miami for their first victories away from home this season. Milwaukee lost its first eight road games before a 100-86 victory over the Knicks on Friday.
The Bucks followed that up with an even more impressive performance when they defeated the Heat on Sunday 91-82. "It's huge," guard Shawn Livingston said. "Especially for us being winless on the road and going 2-0 against two good teams, especially the quality team like the Heat, it’s huge for your confidence." The Hawks have been one of the league's most consistent teams in the early season, but begin a five-game road trip that will last nine days.
Atlanta has won eight of 10 overall and is 4-4 away from home. The Hawks are 5-1 since losing Al Horford to a pectoral injury that will sideline the All-Star center until the playoffs.
- Atlanta Hawks @ Milwaukee Bucks
When: 8:00 PM ET, Monday, January 23, 2012
Where: Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
TV: 8 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Atlanta), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
The Hawks have opened as 1.5-point favorites on SBG Global Sportsbook’s Live NBA Basketball Odds.
Atlanta Hawks (12-5): Atlanta coach Larry Drew has set a high standard for his team. When the Hawks' four-game winning streak ended Friday in Philadelphia, Drew was quick to let his team know how unhappy he was. "It got tough for us and we quit," Drew said. The Hawks obviously paid attention and routed Cleveland 121-94 the following night. Atlanta recorded its highest point total of the season and placed five players in double figures. "We all wanted to bounce back," guard Jeff Teague said. "I don’t think we took (the criticism) personally. We’ve got to get the killer instinct. I think we’re starting to get better at that."
Milwaukee Bucks (6-9): Milwaukee used a strong defensive effort to beat Miami. The Bucks held the Heat to a season-low 37 percent from the floor and forced 22 turnovers that resulted in 22 points. Milwaukee's defense helped offset its 35 percent shooting. The Bucks even got some help from Stephen Jackson, who was benched for Friday's game because he slept through shootaround. An obviously well-rested Jackson scored 10 points, including a key 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. "The biggest thing is I hate not being out there and tonight I was able to help my team," Jackson said.
1. Brandon Jennings had an unusual line Sunday. He scored 23 points, but was 5-of-20 from the field and made only one of his 10 3-point attempts. Jennings was 12-of-13 from the foul line, with six assists and six rebounds.
2. The NBA's schedule makers obviously didn't consult a map when they put together Atlanta's road trip. After playing in Milwaukee, the Hawks travel - in order - to San Antonio, Detroit, New Orleans and Toronto.
3. The teams split their four matchups last season. The Hawks took a 95-80 win in Milwaukee on Dec. 27, 2010.
NBA BASKETBALL PREDICTION: Hawks 92, Bucks 84
Bet on NBA Basketball games with SBG Global Sportsbook, click here!
Related Articles
- Las Vegas NBA Free Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta Hawks
- NBA Betting Odds and Trends: Milwaukee Bucks Host Atlanta Hawks
- Free NBA Picks and Tips: Atlanta Hawks at Milwaukee Bucks
- NBA Basketball Picks & Tips: Atlanta Hawks at Milwaukee Bucks
- Vegas NBA Winners Betting Odds: Cleveland Cavaliers at Milwaukee Bucks
Category
Tags
al horford - atlanta hawks - bradley center - brandon jennings - jeff teague - larry drew - milwaukee bucks - shawn livingston - stephen jackson