As predicted, the Eastern Conference Finals in the NBA is getting off to an interesting start. The Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks met last night, and the game came down to the wire before being decided. There is little doubt that these two teams are going to keep the fireworks going when they meet again tomorrow, but now it’s time for the LA Clippers and Phoenix Suns. They will play their third game tonight, with the Suns already out in front, 2-0.

Hawks Fly High Over the Bucks

While the Hawks need to be congratulated for their 116-113 win over the Bucks, a very special mention is deserved by Trae Young. Atlanta counted on him to shine and he didn’t let them down. He put up a massive 48 points in the game to help the Hawks secure the win, allowing Atlanta to improve to 6-2 on the road in this postseason. In addition to Young’s stellar performance, Clint Capela is credited with the go-ahead basket with under 30 seconds left to clinch the deal.

Neither Giannis Antetokounmpo nor Jrue Holiday was enough for the Bucks to stop the Hawks. They put up, respectively, 34 and 33 points, but were routinely kept to the outside, preventing them from picking up more baskets. Khris Middleton had a chance to tie the score with a trey as the clock was ticking off the final seconds, but he missed, ending 6 for 23 on the night. All nine of his 3-point attempts ended in the air. If the Hawks keep this up, they will take the Eastern for the first time since 1968.

Clippers Look For Solid Ground

The Suns are sweeping the Clippers so far in the Western Conference Finals, and tonight’s game couldn’t be more important for the Clips. The Clippers just barely lost to the Suns in Game 2 – by a point – and showed that they are still a team worth watching for an NBA Finals appearance. However, they will also play without the help of Kawhi Leonard, which could prove to be a problem. He has missed this entire series against the Suns.

The good news for the Suns is that Chris Paul has been listed as eligible, which will certainly give the team an advantage. He is their go-to point man and having him on the court will serve the team well. Paul was out due to COVID-19 protocols and has already had a great postseason, averaging 15.7 points a game. The Clippers know what they’re facing tonight and this should be another great contest.

Oddsmakers Make Their Choices

The moneyline is close in this game. The Suns are favored at -125, while the Clippers are getting +105. This game takes the competition back to LA, and an underdog bet here might be the way to go. The spread is just 1.5 points (at -110), which is a little too tight for this game. However, if the Clippers win, it’s a chance for an easy return.

The Over/Under sits at 221.5 (-110). The first two games had one each, and tonight will see the Clippers putting up a greater effort. This one could definitely hit the Over.