Atlanta @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 20, 2019 ) Milwaukee 135, Atlanta 127

Giannis Antetokounmpo put together a remarkable performance Monday for the Milwaukee Bucks, and the reigning MVP looks to continue his stellar play as the Eastern Conference leaders host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. Antetokounmpo scored a season-high 50 points, registered his 17th consecutive double-double with 14 rebounds, added six assists and did not record a turnover in a 122-118 home victory over Utah that extended the Bucks winning streak to eight.

“The guys are playing hard,” Antetokounmpo told reporters afterward. “The guys are defending real well, and we always find a way to be in the game and we always find a way to win.” Antetokounmpo ranks second in the NBA in scoring (31.1 points), fourth in rebounding (13.9) and 15th in assists (6.4), and recorded a triple-double (24 points, 19 rebounds, 15 assists) on Thursday against Portland. The Hawks continue to struggle, losing for the seventh straight time and 13th time in their past 15 games in Monday’s 125-113 home loss to Minnesota. Point guard Trae Young scored 37 points, but a 10-point halftime lead evaporated as Atlanta gave up 72 points in the second half.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

ABOUT THE HAWKS (4-13): Young remains the focal point of Atlanta’s offense with John Collins suspended and Kevin Huerter injured, averaging 28 points and 9.4 assists in his past 10 games. Forward Jabari Parker reached double-figures scoring in 16 of his 17 games, scoring 22 points Monday on 9-for-16 shooting from the field. Atlanta is 27th in the NBA in average points allowed (118.1) and has surrendered 125 or more points five times in the past seven games.

ABOUT THE BUCKS (14-3): Milwaukee’s perimeter defense struggled Monday as Utah hit 21-of-45 attempts from 3-point range, but the Bucks rallied from a nine-point halftime deficit as Antetokounmpo scored 32 points in the second half. Guard Wesley Matthews scored 19 points on 6-for-9 shooting, hitting five 3-pointers, and in his past four games is 13-for-24 from long range. The Bucks lead the NBA in average scoring at 119.9 points.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Atlanta rookie G Cam Reddish returned Monday after missing two games with a sprained left wrist, scoring seven points on 2-for-10 shooting.

2. Milwaukee G George Hill missed Monday’s game with back soreness.

3. Antetokounmpo scored 33 points with 11 rebounds as the Bucks beat the Hawks in Atlanta 135-127 on Nov. 20.

PREDICTION: Bucks 129, Hawks 107