Bucks vs. Hawks: The best player prop bets for Game 4

The last time the Milwaukee Bucks were in the NBA Finals, Richard Nixon was in the Oval Office, Blazing Saddles was the top movie at the box office, and a gallon of milk cost just $1.57. Now, after an emphatic 113-102 on Sunday night, they’re just two wins away from returning.

Much of the credit for Milwaukee’s Game 3 win goes to Khris Middleton. The two-time All-Star tied his postseason career-high with 38 points, and single-handedly outscored the Atlanta Hawks 20-17 in the fourth quarter. His offensive outburst included four 3-pointers as he powered the Bucks to an impressive come-from-behind victory.

The Bucks will need another big performance from Middleton tonight if they hope to push the Hawks to the brink of elimination. Tip off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena.

We’ve examined Tuesday night’s matchup closely and have selected the three best players props to wager on.

Trae Young Over/Under 27.5 points

We’ve written thousands of words detailing the impact of players like Trae Young, Middleton, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but in the end it may be Sean Wright who determines the outcome of this series.

The veteran referee was in the wrong place at the wrong time on Sunday when Young inadvertently stepped on his right foot with under a minute remaining in the fourth quarter. The misstep caused Young to crumple to the ground and resulted in a sprained right ankle. An MRI has since revealed a bone bruise as well, and Young is questionable to play tonight.

A functioning ankle is important for any player, but it’s especially critical for someone like the undersized Young, whose effectiveness hinges on his speed and mobility. Without his trademark explosiveness he’s just another set shooter. That was painfully evident in the fourth quarter of Game 3, as Young mustered just three points on 1-for-4 shooting in 7:53.

It’s likely Young will answer the bell tonight with his team on the ropes, but it’s asking too much for him to score 28 points on a bad wheel. Expect the All-Star guard to serve primarily as a facilitator and decoy as his teammates do much of the heavy-lifting on offense.

Pick: Under 27.5 points (-114)

John Collins Over/Under 15.5 points

One player more than capable of picking up Young’s slack is John Collins. The 23-year-old forward is averaging 14.3 points in the playoffs and has already scored 16 points or more five times during this postseason. That includes a 23 point outburst in Game 1, when he shot 11-of-16 from the floor and 1-of-5 from beyond the arc.

Collins led the Hawks in scoring 11 times during the regular season and is more than willing to shoulder a heavier burden on offense. Expect him to get considerably more touches tonight and to easily surpass 16 points as the Hawks desperately look for viable options beyond Young.

Pick: Over 15.5 points (-105)

Giannis Antetokounmpo to record a double-double and the Bucks to win

The odds of Giannis Antetokounmpo recording a double-double tonight are set at -480, which makes sense, since he’s accomplished the feat in 13 of his 14 playoff appearances this season. In fact, the only time he came up short was in Milwaukee’s 125-91 blowout win in Game 2 when he sat out most of the second half. Even then, he still finished with 25 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Like death and taxes, Giannis Antetokounmpo double-doubles are pretty much a certainty.

If you’re looking for more value we’d recommend pairing a Giannis double-double with a Bucks win at -162 odds. The Bucks, after all, are seven-point favorites tonight and are heavy -2000 favorites to win the series. With Young hobbled and the Bucks clearly in control, this may be the best bet you'll make all week.

Pick: Yes (-162)