Giannis Antetokounmpo Status Revealed For Tonight's Game vs The Hawks

There was not much question whether Giannis Antetokounmpo was actually going to play today against the Hawks, as he was listed as probable with a left hamstring injury, but the Bucks just revealed his status for tonight and Giannis will be in the lineup tonight vs Atlanta.

It has been a wild week for Atlanta. They came back from a West Coast trip and dominated Charlotte, came back from 30 points down and beat Boston, defeated Portland, and then Dejounte Murray scored 44 points and hit the game-winning shot in overtime vs Boston on Thursday. Atlanta has started to play well when it matters most and they will be looking to build on that tonight. 

They might be getting back some reinforcements as well. Jalen Johnson (right ankle sprain) was upgraded to questionable yesterday and he could make his return after reinjuring his ankle in a loss vs the Lakers. Milwaukee is going to be missing one of their key pieces tonight, as Damian Lillard is not going to be able to suit up. Still, the Bucks have Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton and will be tough to handle in this rematch of the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. 

With Trae Young out, Dejounte Murray has had to take it upon himself to create more offense for the Hawks and he has done so, none more evident than last game vs Boston. Murray shot the ball 44 times including 19 threes, and scored 44 points and the Hawks needed every one of them. The Bucks do not have defenders like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White and on paper, this is an easier matchup for him as a scorer. I don't know if he scores over 40 again, but he should have the shot volume. 

Bogdan Bogdanovic has been playing well this week, especially in the two games against the Celtics. His three-point shooting has dipped to below 30% in the last two games, but he is getting to the basket and scoring still. He can also take advantage of a weaker Milwaukee perimeter defense. 

After having the game of his life on Monday vs Boston, Vit Krejci has scored nine points in the last two games behind. The Hawks don't need him to score a lot, but the offense is better when he can hit threes and contribute on offense.

De'Andre Hunter has moved back into the starting lineup with Johnson out and I don't see the Hawks taking him out. He is playing major minutes now after being on a minutes restriction coming back from his injury. He shot the ball well from three in both games against Boston and he will likely be tasked with guarding Middleton tonight as well. 

The player that might be the most important for the Hawks tonight is Clint Capela, who is playing his best basketball of the season. Capela has a double-double in 10 of the last 11 games and one area where the Bucks struggle is rebounding. The Hawks scored 28 second-chance points against the Celtics on Thursday and that was the difference in the game. He might also spend time guarding Giannis tonight. 

The bench players for the Hawks have been playing well during this winning streak, especially Garrison Matthews. Matthews is shooting the ball well from three and brings scoring off the bench. Bruno Fernando, Trent Forrest, and Wesley Matthews are other guys you will likely see tonight.