Milwaukee Bucks: 3 most important matchups versus the Atlanta Hawks

Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks matchups: Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Clint Capela & Solomon Hill

Slowing down Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the top priority for the Hawks against the Bucks, and they have a number of defenders to throw at him.

An interesting option for them to try will be rolling with Solomon Hill, who was the Hawk that saw the most action against him during the regular season with 31.8 partial possessions. In that timeframe, Antetokounmpo dominated Hill by scoring 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the field, including 1-of-1 from behind the arc. The Greek Freak also shot eight free throw attempts during that span but only connected on three of them.

While Hill is still a viable option, the Hawks will likely look to mix things up to some degree. One such option would be utilizing Clint Capela, who saw much more success against Antetokounmpo than his teammate defensively. Capela held the two-time MVP to 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting from the field, including 1-of-4 from deep. As one of the most prolific rim protectors in the association, the big man provides a formidable opponent for Antetokounmpo as he attempts to bulldoze his way into the paint.

Defensively, Antetokounmpo will have to tighten up on Hill, whom he guarded the most frequently during the regular season for 39.7 partial possessions across three games. Hill scored 16 points while being guarded by the former Defensive Player of the Year by shooting 6-of-11 from the floor, which included knocking down four triples. He certainly caught fire from behind the arc and Antetokounmpo must prevent that from happening once more.

Time will tell just how much of these matchups come to fruition during tonight’s game, but be sure to catch the action at 7:30 p.m. CST on TNT.