It was three years ago when these two met for a chance at the NBA championship. Trae Young took the Hawks through the Knicks, past the Sixers in seven, and then they fell in six to the eventual champions in the conference finals. Atlanta now faces that same foe again, albeit with vastly different rosters, but the two main stars remain. Will Ice Trae toss dice in Vegas too?

Game Information

• T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada
• Atlanta Hawks (14-12) visiting Milwaukee Bucks (13-11)
• Previous Matchup: Atlanta at Milkwaukee (119-104) December 4th, 2024

All NBA Emirates Cup odds are courtesy of BetOnline 

Atlanta Hawks @ Milwaukee Bucks

Doc Rivers and the Bucks started out this season 1-6 but have found their footing right when group play started. Giannis has been a freak. He’s looked great and the statistical analysis would tell you this is one of his best starts ever. With his shooters hitting their looks he’s been assisting at a high rate. Additionally, Damian Lillard has scheduled ‘Dame Time’ more often this season than last. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced.

The Atlanta Hawks come into this one surprising the Knicks at home. Trae Young played dice on their logo and no Knick did a lick.  This squad is flying high right now. If they can trick you into playing at their pace you are in trouble. That’s what happened to the Knicks. They were sped up, their shots weren’t dropping, then they became fatigued at the pace of play. I repeat, the Hawks prefer to play fast, force turnovers, and share the rock. They are third in pace, second in steals, and flirt with leading the NBA in assists per game. Furthermore, they hit the offensive glass. Quinn Snyder has his team exhausting opponents.

Giannis has been a FORCE in the #EmiratesNBACup…

Watch his BEST BUCKETS from Group Play 😤 pic.twitter.com/lTCyiDxPFc

— NBA (@NBA) December 9, 2024

NBA Cup Game Analysis

If the Atlanta Hawks were a boxing prospect then they would be ready for the big title fight. They’ve taken down the Celtics, Cavaliers, and Knicks. This NBA Cup game is that big matchup. I really wanted to believe in the Hawks +7 versus the Knicks but never ended up wagering a side. This will not be a true home game for Milwaukee as the game will be held in Vegas. The Hawks went into hostile MSG and forced their style of play. That is their only path to victory again.

The Bucks defence is 26th in fast break defence giving up 16.5 points per game. Atlanta is 5th in fast break points and second chance points. Meaning, if they can increase the pace of play to a proper level then they’ll be able to score easily. The Bucks have a good paint defence with Lopez and Giannis. For Atlanta to get the scoring they need from the inside it will have to come in transition and off the offensive glass.

Doc Rivers’ game plan should be simple. Giannis, Giannis, Giannis. Go to your man early and often. Cause the defence to collapse on instinct then unleash your shooters. Obviously Damian Lillard is a premier threat but the Bucks have more than just him. The Hawks are dead last in opponent three point percentage (38.2%).  The aforementioned Damian Lillard hit 5 threes last time out against this squad. If AJ Green (3-11) and Gary Trent (3-9) can contribute more from beyond the arc than last game then the Bucks will win easy.

Ice Trae is hilarious for posting this 💀#TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/hl47IzrEyD

— Sukh Brar (@JustSukh) December 13, 2024

Atlanta Hawks +3.5 (-110) 

If you watch All-Sauce team you know how much we have loved this team since the preseason. Their coaching staff and system are excellent. Trae Young finds ways to win despite public perception. Finally, that supporting cast defends for a full 48 minutes. They are a tough exhausting team to beat and they have beaten the league’s top teams.

I am not a big believer in the construction of the Milwaukee roster. They were just bested by the Hawks who forced 16 steals in that game. Also, the Bucks are not a good offensive rebounding team. This will allow Atlanta to clean and control the defensive glass then get out with quick outlet passes.

If the Bucks slow the pace of play and allow their stars to dominate half court sets then this game is theirs. The Knicks are a very efficient slow paced NBA offence and the Hawks dismantled their game plan. Quinn Snyder is an elite coach. Unless Giannis or Dame has a historic showing then I believe that the Hawks cover and we get a great NBA game.

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