The LA Clippers staved off almost certain elimination from the NBA Conference Finals last night when they scored a crucial victory against the Phoenix Suns. That will allow them to hang around for at least one more game, but the team certainly can’t start to feel optimistic about its chances. The Suns only need to win two out of four games to advance, and the odds are definitely against the Clippers. Tomorrow will determine if last night’s game was a fluke or a response to pressure, which the Clippers are known for, but tonight will see another great game. The Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks meet for the second time in their Eastern Conference Finals matchup, with the Bucks looking to get their first win.

Clippers Stay Alive in Game 3

The Suns thought they had a lock on the game as they welcomed back Chris Paul from COVID-19 protocols. However, he wasn’t completely up to speed, and Paul George and the rest of the Clippers took advantage of it. George had 27 points on the night, with the team taking firm control in the third quarter and never letting go. By the time the final seconds ticked off the clock, they had won, 106-92 in what is a very low-scoring contest.

The win ended the Suns’ nine-game playoff win record and give the Clippers renewed hope that they might be able to go all the way. Not even having George, intimately familiar with the Clippers since he used to wear the uniform, was enough to keep the Suns alive. George was held to 15 points, and never seemed to have his head in the game. The Clippers only lost Game 2 by one point, and it shouldn’t have surprised anyone that they would emerge victorious last night.

Hawks and Bucks Battle in Brewtown

The Hawks and the Bucks are in Milwaukee tonight for Game 2 of their series, with the Hawks taking a shocking win in the first game. This one won’t be as easy, though, and Atlanta needs to be prepared mentally for a much tighter contest. They’ll have to be patient, as well, as it’s no secret that Giannis Antetokounmpo likes to act like a prima donna whenever he’s sent to the line. The two-time MVP has been taking ten seconds or more to take his shots, which has the Hawks flapping in disgust.

Atlanta has had a lot of success at home in the postseason, but the team has been doing well on the road, also. The Hawks are 6-2 in away games and have won three straight on the road. Trae Young was largely responsible for the win in Game 1, putting up 48 points, and he will be called on once more to lead the way tonight. The Bucks, however, are going to be more prepared than they were in Game 1. The Hawks can still win, but they will have to fight more than they did in the first game if they want to take another victory.

Oddsmakers Weigh In On Tonight’s Game

Overall, the Bucks are healthy tonight. Donte DiVincenzo will be out, but having both Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton on the court will be key for Milwaukee. The Hawks are going to play without De’Andre Hunter again and, according to recent reports, could play without Bogdan Bogdanovic. He’s dealing with a minor knee injury, and his place in the lineup will be revealed as gametime approaches.

With the game playing out at Fiserv Forum and the Bucks having a healthy squad, oddsmakers expect them to take the game. The moneyline is at a whopping -345 for the Bucks, which doesn’t offer any return. The +8 (-110) spread to the Hawks is worthwhile, especially since Atlanta has routinely covered in the postseason. They’ve gone 9-4, while the Bucks are even at 6-6. The Over/Under is at 226.5 (-110), and it’s difficult to imagine this game reaching that high. Both teams have routinely come under in the postseason, and this is where the money should be on this game, too.