This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Brook Lopez UNDER 16.5 points+rebounds+assists (-108) vs. ATL -- FanDuel (1:41 PM CT)
Lopez played just 20 minutes in Game 1, posting seven points and two rebounds. Trae Young torched Milwaukee's drop coverage in the first half, so coach Mike Budenholzer benched Lopez down the stretch to allow for more switching on defense. I think Bud will roll with that strategy more in Game 2, which should mean a similar workload for Lopez, and possibly a reduced workload. Assuming that will mean more Bryn Forbes, I also don't mind a Forbes over 1.5 threes bet at +170, but it carries more risk than Lopez's prop.
Jacob Lebowitz
John Collins OVER 26.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-113) at MIL -- DraftKings (12:20 PM CT)
Collins had an exceptional performance in the Game 1 victory even though all the hype surrounded Trae Young. Collins posted a 23-point 15-rebound double-double in Game 1. Late in Game 1, Collins was dominant as he grabbed a few clutch offensive rebounds to help keep his team alive. I expect the Bucks to focus their defensive attention on Young, which should benefit Collins immensely.
Trae Young OVER 30.5 points (-112) at MIL -- FanDuel (4:10 PM CT)
Although Young struggled against the Bucks in his only regular-season matchup, he dominated in Game 1. Young notched 48 points, hitting 50 percent of his 34 shots from the field. The breakout superstar has been playing the best ball of his career in these playoffs, and I fully expect Young to continue being brilliant in a crucial Game 2. Even if the Bucks do attempt to slow him down, Young has been exceptional at getting to the free-throw line.
Ken Crites
Hawks +8 (-109) at MIL -- DraftKings (1:54pm ET)
I'm not saying the Hawks will win, but to expect an eight-point blowout by the 4th-quarter-challenged Bucks seems crazy. The Hawks haven't lost by eight since Game 3 versus Philly. Does anyone really believe Milwaukee will be so accurate from behind the arc that Game 2 is a blowout? I don't see it happening. Bucks win, but they squeak by.
OVER on Kevin Huerter at 2.5 assists (-122) -- FanDuel (1:54pm ET)
K'Von averaged 3.5 assists in the regular season over 30.8 minutes per game. In 13 playoff games, he has averaged 3.9 dimes over 29.8 minutes per post-season contest. Don't overthink this. Trust the math. A few easy bounce passes to Ice Trae and all will be well.
