Bucks vs. Hawks: Shocking Prop Bets That Could Make You Rich or Leave You Broke! Don’t Miss Out!

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day unfolds, basketball fans are treated to an intriguing matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks at 1 p.m. EST. This game marks the first of nine scheduled NBA matchups for the day, making it a significant event in the league's calendar.

This contest could serve as a preview for potential play-in tournament implications later in the season. Both teams are currently on a downward trajectory, with the Hawks losing three consecutive games and clinging to a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks are not far behind, sitting just 1.5 games back, after also experiencing a three-game losing streak. Despite having their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, on the court, Milwaukee has struggled to maintain consistency this season and appears far from championship contention, even in a relatively weak Eastern Conference.

Oddsmakers have set the Hawks as slight favorites for this afternoon's game, despite their lackluster home record of just 7-12 this season. The Hawks are navigating a new era following the trade of star player Trae Young, and they are eager to rebuild momentum as they aim for a stronger second half of the season.

Game Odds and Viewing Information

Here are the key odds and viewing information for today’s matchup:

• Spread: Bucks +2.5 (-110), Hawks -2.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Not specified
• Total: 231.5 (Over -112/Under -108)

How to Watch:

• Date: Monday, Jan. 19
• Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Venue: State Farm Arena
• How to Watch (TV): Peacock
• Bucks record: 17-24
• Hawks record: 20-24

Injury Reports and Player Props

In terms of player availability, the Bucks will be without Alex Antetokounmpo and Taurean Prince. The Hawks face a more extensive injury report, with Zaccharie Risacher, Kristaps Porzingis, N’Faly Dante, RayJ Dennis, and Nikola Djurisic all ruled out. Dyson Daniels is listed as questionable, while Caleb Houstan, Asa Newell, and Christian Koloko are available to play.

For those looking at player prop bets, consider fading Jalen Johnson in the rebounds and assists category. Johnson has averaged 10.1 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game this season, but his performance has dipped significantly since the trade that sent Young away. He has been held to six or fewer assists in every game since the trade and has failed to clear the prop line in all four games since.

Given the Hawks' struggles to adapt to their new roster and their inability to surpass 110 points in two of their last three matches, betting on Johnson to go over 17.5 rebounds and assists seems risky. His playmaking role appears to be diminishing as the team adjusts, making him a questionable target for prop bettors.

As this game approaches, expectations are tempered for both teams. The Hawks have demonstrated an alarming inability to consistently score, and their home performance has been subpar. The Bucks, despite their own struggles, can rely on Giannis to lead them, and they have fared reasonably well against the spread as road underdogs.

In a matchup that feels like a toss-up, taking the points with the Bucks seems prudent. The predicted pick for this matchup is:

Pick: Bucks +2.5 (-110 at DraftKings)

As always, odds are subject to change, so fans should check regularly for the latest updates. For those with gambling concerns, help is available through the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-GAMBLER.