Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for as Atlanta Hawks visit
By Adam McGee
Prepare for random lineups
Fair warning, but things could get very strange when the coaches reveal their starting lineups for this game.
With the first seed in the East already locked up, it would be no real surprise if Mike Budenholzer opts to rest key players for this game on the second night of a back-to-back.
Of course, that’s without even factoring in Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed Saturday’s loss to the Nets with a calf injury that Budenholzer was adamant wasn’t simply a question of rest.
The Bucks’ weirdest and most surprising lineup of the year came in their last meeting with the Hawks, and it would be no real surprise if that same group were to take to the court for opening tip on this occasion.
On the Hawks’ side of the equation, there’s also plenty of room for unusual lineups, though. On top of four players, including Dewayne Dedmon, confirmed as out, the Hawks have five players additionally doubtful to some degree ahead of this game.
Although the change to lottery odds have largely negated the benefits of tanking, there isn’t a lot to gain for Atlanta in picking up wins at this late stage of the season.
In particular, if Trae Young and John Collins are rested by the Hawks, the Bucks will likely feel good about their chances of winning regardless of their own lineup choices.