Sky Live: Bucks @ Hawks
Natnael_Tesfaye
Dec 27, 2019
0
Giannis Antetokoumpo and the Milwaukee Bucks hope to rediscover the winning habit when the visit the Atlanta Hawks live on Sky Sports Action.
The Bucks (27-5) are coming off a tough loss in Philadelphia on Christmas Day, a game in which they trailed through three quarters and fell short with a late-game run.
The Bucks are 12-3 on the road and 8-2 in their last 10 games. They average a league-best 120.3 points per game and are shooting a league-best 48.1 per cent from the field. They also lead the league with 51.2 rebounds per game and are averaging 25.9 assists per game, which is sixth-best in the league.
3:03
Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley picked Giannis Antetokounmpo as the clear leader in the race for the Most Valuable Player award
Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks with 30.5 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per game and is on track to successfully defend the MVP award he won last season.
Eric Bledsoe (leg) remains sidelined for Milwaukee, leaving it to the backcourt group of George Hill, Donte DiVincenzo and Pat Connaughton to pick up some extra work.
The Hawks (6-25) face a tough task if they are to end their current eight-game losing slide. Having forward John Collins back in their line-up gives Atlanta a major boost, as he will likely be one of their top two scorers and lead the team in rebounding.
Trae Young has been dominating despite the Hawks' struggles, averaging 29.0 points, 8.5 assists, 4.4. rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.
The Hawks average 108.8 points per game but are conceding an average of 118.6 points, the second-most in the league.
Last time out
1:44
Highlights of the Milwaukee Bucks' Christmas Day loss to the Philadelphia 76ers
1:34
Highlights of the Atlanta Hawks' loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers
Numbers game
31.8 - That is the Hawks three-point shooting percentage, the lowest figure in the NBA.
Atlanta loft the 11th-most threes per game (34.8) but are only making 11.0 of them. Cam Reddish, DeAndre Bembry, Jabari Parker and Allen Crabbe make less than 30 per cent of their attempts from long range.
One to watch (Bucks): Brook Lopez
Image: Brook Lopez and brother Robin on court during the Milwaukee Bucks' preseason opener in Chicago
Lopez has been quiet lately, averaging 9.4 points on 36 per cent shooting over the last 10 games.
The veteran center played a key role for Milwaukee last year, spreading the floor with 2.3 three-pointers a game at 36.5 per cent. This season he is making just 1.5 triples per game at 31.5 per cent.
One to watch (Hawks): John Collins
Image: John Collins throws down a dunk against the Detroit Pistons
John Collins returned to action in the Hawks' last contest having served a 25-game suspension.
He put in an impressive performance with 27 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and two steals in 35 minutes.
Collins' presence won't turn the Hawks into playoff contenders but the 1-2 punch provided by he and Young makes them much more competitive.
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