MILWAUKEE, Wisc. — The Atlanta Hawks cruised to a Game 4 victory on Tuesday night to even the Eastern Conference Finals. Can they carry that momentum into Thursday night?
The series shifts back to Milwaukee with Game 5 tip-off set for 8:30 p.m.
The injury bug is the biggest storyline heading into Thursday night’s Game 5. Hawks star Trae Young is out after he bruised a bone in right foot during Game 3.
The Bucks will also be without their star player with Giannis Antetokounmpo after he injured his knee during the third quarter of Sunday night’s game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is out tonight in Game 5 vs the Hawks
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) July 1, 2021
Channel 2 Sports Director Zach Klein is LIVE in Milwaukee. Watch WSB Tonight for the latest on the Hawks push to get into the NBA Finals.
The Hawks managed to put together an impressive 110-88 victory in Game 4 without Young; however, the team’s top rebounder Clint Capela was injured in the closing minutes after he took an elbow to the face.
Hawks head coach Nate McMillian said Wednesday that Capela and Young would meet with team doctors. Both players are listed as questionable for Thursday.
“He didn’t feel comfortable enough to put pressure on his foot,” McMillian said. “We’ll get a report, but I’m sure he’ll be a game-time decision.”
Antetokounmpo will not play in Game 5 after undergoing an MRI on his injured left knee.
The Bucks forward was attempting to block Capela’s dunk attempt when he landed awkwardly and hyperextended his knee.
His loss will put the scoring load on Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday to keep up with the Hawks.
As for Young...
“He’s feeling a little better, but not good enough to put on the uniform tonight,” Hawks coach Nate McMillan said.
Young did note that center Clint Capela would be available to play Thursday.
Nate on Giannis getting hurt..
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) June 30, 2021
"yes, he's an opponent, but you are always concerned. I didn't see what happened, but whenever the entire bench, trainers and he's not getting up, you're concerned. I'm glad our fans were respectful & happy to see he was able to walk off the floor. pic.twitter.com/pHkFYRYCVZ
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During the postseason, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.
The Western Conference Finals have already been decided after the Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 6 Wednesday night.
If the Hawks win Thursday night, they could clinch a spot in the NBA Finals at home on Saturday.
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