The Milwaukee Bucks haven’t reached the NBA Finals since 1974. The Atlanta Hawks haven’t been there since 1961. One of those droughts is ending soon.
In an unexpected Eastern Conference finals showdown, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s Bucks are pinned against Trae Young‘s Hawks. While Milwaukee is favored to win the series, Atlanta has been proving doubters wrong all postseason with upset wins over the New York Knicks and a thrilling seven-game series victory over the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers.
Meanwhile, the Bucks enter the matchup fresh off their own seven-game battle, overcoming Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets, so both East finalists have been battle-tested during these playoffs.
Does Atlanta have an answer for Antetokounmpo? Will Milwaukee be able to slow down Young? Our experts unveil their predictions for Bucks-Hawks and the conference finals.
Eastern Conference finals
Jerry Bembry: Hawks in 6
Nick DePaula: Bucks in 6
Nick Friedell: Bucks in 6
Israel Gutierrez: Bucks in 5
Zach Lowe: Bucks in 6
Tim MacMahon: Bucks in 6
Bobby Marks: Bucks in 7
Dave McMenamin: Bucks in 5
Monica McNutt: Bucks in 7
Kevin Pelton: Bucks in 7
Omar Raja: Bucks in 5
Jorge Sedano: Bucks in 6
Ramona Shelburne: Hawks in 7
André Snellings: Bucks in 6
Marc J. Spears: Bucks in 6
Royce Young: Bucks in 6
Ohm Youngmisuk: Bucks in 7
Final tally: Bucks 15, Hawks 2.
Western Conference finals
Note: Picks were made prior to Game 1 of the series.
Nick DePaula: Suns in 6
Nick Friedell: Clippers in 6
Israel Gutierrez: Suns in 7
Tim MacMahon: Suns in 7
Bobby Marks: Suns in 7
Dave McMenamin: Clippers in 7
Monica McNutt: Suns in 7
Kevin Pelton: Suns in 7
Omar Raja: Suns in 5
Jorge Sedano: Suns in 7
Ramona Shelburne: Clippers in 7
André Snellings: Suns in 6
Marc J. Spears: Suns in 7
Royce Young: Suns in 7
Ohm Youngmisuk: Suns in 7
Final tally: Suns 12, Clippers 3.