Dave Carney 7/1/2021
What’s on the table today?: Bucks (-2) vs Hawks (+2) Eastern Conference Finals Game 5: Jon Denton Special and Dave’s prediction.
The Hawks head into Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals at Milwaukee on Thursday after getting even at 2 in the series while playing without team leader Trae Young. Standout sixth man Lou Williams jumped into the starting lineup in Game 4 and recorded 21 points and eight assists as the Hawks topped the Bucks 110-88.
The Bucks will limp back home with Giannis Antetokounmpo listed as doubtful after Milwaukee’s all-everything performer hyperextended his left knee in the third quarter Tuesday. He did not return as the Hawks put the game away, and his status for Game 5 remains in doubt.
An MRI exam on Wednesday showed no structural damage but the club hasn’t revealed a plan for the rest of the series.
Meanwhile, Young is listed as questionable for Game 5 due to the bone bruise in his right foot. Big man Clint Capela (eye inflammation) is also questionable while guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (right knee soreness) is probable.
While I “think” the Bucks should and will win tonight, the play I’m looking to make is going to be on the 1st Half Total (109 ½). The Bucks and Hawks will be keyed up and ready to lock in defensively, which is why I like the UNDER 109 ½ 1st half play.
Jon Denton Special
In today’s Jon Denton Special, has Jon taking a Player Prop bet on Jrue Holiday as his play for tonight’s game.
Jon (thanks to Bet MGM) has taken Jrue Holiday (Over 2.5 three pointers) at a very favorable (+135). If the Bucks have ANY hope of winning, Holiday putting up some decent numbers will be key, and OVER 2.5 three’s looks like a lock.
**For more info on TOTAL plays, OVER/UNDER, and PLUS/MINUS plays, TEASER cards and more, check back through some previous columns for detailed information**
REMEMBER – don’t bet based upon my recommendations. Do your research. Stay in your lane