Game Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks (10-9) enter Wednesday's matchup with the Atlanta Hawks (11-11) riding a sizzling six-game winning streak. Over this stretch, the Bucks have been firing on all cylinders, averaging a blistering 121.2 points while shooting just under 51% from the field and hovering around 45% from beyond the arc. Their balanced attack has been on full display, dishing out 27.4 assists while crashing the boards for nearly 44 rebounds per game.
Defensively, the Bucks have clamped down, holding opponents to 111.8 points and forcing 12.6 turnovers per contest during this torrid run. Their ability to protect the rim has been a key factor, swatting away 5.6 shots while limiting opponents to just over 43% shooting from the field. Milwaukee's well-rounded play at both ends has propelled them to a 100% record over their last five outings.
On the other side, the Hawks (11-11) arrive in Milwaukee riding their own four-game winning streak. Atlanta's offense has been humming, pouring in 120.4 points per game over this stretch while shooting a shade above 49% from the floor. The ball movement has been crisp, with the Hawks dishing out 32.2 assists while crashing the offensive glass for 48.6 rebounds. They've also been stingy on the defensive end, limiting foes to 114.0 points while forcing a robust 16.6 turnovers.
Examining the season-long numbers, both teams have been evenly matched on the offensive end, with the Hawks averaging 116.5 points compared to the Bucks' 113.3. However, Milwaukee has been more efficient, shooting nearly 48% from the field and just over 38% from three-point range. Atlanta's Achilles heel has been their perimeter shooting, knocking down just 34.1% of their long-range attempts.
While the two teams have been neck-and-neck offensively, the Bucks have held a slight edge on the defensive end, allowing 112.4 points per game compared to the Hawks' 119.0. Milwaukee's ability to protect the paint has been a key factor, averaging 5.8 blocks while limiting opponents to 48.1% shooting. With both teams riding hot streaks and sporting similar offensive firepower, this contest could come down to which squad can tighten the defensive screws and slow down the opposing attack.