Trae Young is set to play against the Milwaukee Bucks after being labeled probable. The Hawks rank seventh in the NBA for points per game, but have struggled defensively, sitting 27th for points allowed. Their free throw rate is impressive at second in the league, but turnovers remain a significant issue. Young's recent scoring slump makes it hard to predict a breakout against the Bucks, whose defense is anchored by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez. Meanwhile, Caris LeVert has excelled off the bench, and rookie Zaccharie Risacher has emerged as a shooter to watch.

The Bucks present a formidable challenge with their strong shooting stats, particularly in field goal percentage. Their defense has been effective, ranking second in field goal percentage allowed. The Hawks will need a strong interior presence from Onyeka Okongwu, who had a double-double against Milwaukee previously. Atlanta's recent success in the paint will be tested against Milwaukee’s size, especially with Giannis dealing with a calf issue.

Betting enthusiasts are gearing up for today's NBA matchups, with notable plays centered around Zach LaVine, who is projected to benefit from increased usage with Domantas Sabonis sidelined. LaVine's over/under at 27.5 points and assists is enticing against the Dallas Mavericks, as he averages 30.1 points per 36 minutes without Sabonis on the court.

In another interesting matchup, Tyrese Maxey's line for steals has been set at 1.5 against the Portland Trail Blazers, who have struggled defensively, allowing high steal rates recently. Additionally, Malik Beasley's chances of hitting more than 4.5 three-pointers look promising against the Utah Jazz, who are among the worst at defending the perimeter. Onyeka Okongwu's block prop at 1.5 also presents value against the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that has shown vulnerability to blocks.

The Memphis Grizzlies aim for a turnaround against the struggling Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. Jaren Jackson Jr. is poised for a breakout, especially after his season-high 42-point performance. In contrast, the Hawks' center, Onyeka Okongwu, faces a tough challenge against a physical Grizzlies front line. Memphis' size advantage, with Jackson and newcomer Zach Edey, provides a tactical edge that could stifle Okongwu's effectiveness, particularly in terms of points and assists.

Okongwu, who recently took over as a starter, has averaged 14.4 points and 3.1 assists, but his undersized frame at 6-foot-8 will be tested against Memphis' towering lineup. A betting angle to consider is the under on Okongwu's points/assists, currently set at 17.5, as Memphis allows the fourth-fewest assists to centers.

The Atlanta Hawks secured a vital victory over the Miami Heat, snapping a three-game losing streak. The matchup held playoff significance, with both teams vying for position in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks showcased a balanced offense, with Onyeka Okongwu leading the way with 17 points, while Trae Young contributed significantly with 14 assists, despite scoring only 11 points. Atlanta's bench was instrumental, outscoring Miami's second unit 25-3.

The Heat struggled offensively, shooting just 13% from beyond the arc. Andrew Wiggins was the standout for Miami, scoring 23 points, but the team couldn't maintain offensive momentum. Dyson Daniels' defensive prowess, including seven steals and a double-double, was a key factor in Atlanta's success. With this win, Atlanta not only gains confidence but also crucially positions themselves for upcoming playoff battles.

After suffering a disappointing nine-game losing streak, the Atlanta Hawks rebounded with new acquisitions, including Georges Niang, Terence Mann, and Caris LeVert, showcasing their potential in a recent 3-0 run. Despite a valiant effort led by Trae Young's 38 points and 19 assists, the Hawks fell short in a highly competitive overtime game against the New York Knicks. Young's performance was complemented by Onyeka Okongwu, who recorded a double-double, and Dyson Daniels, who had a strong outing defensively. The Knicks, powered by Karl-Anthony Towns’ explosive 44-point game, edged out Atlanta, emphasizing the Hawks' need for a reliable defensive strategy against elite offenses.

In the first half, Atlanta struggled offensively, shooting just 36.4% from the field and allowing New York to dominate early. However, the Hawks' bench responded well, outscoring their opponents' reserves significantly. Despite Trae Young's subpar shooting performance in the first half, his playmaking kept Atlanta competitive. The second half saw the Hawks come alive offensively, especially in a strong third quarter. The game concluded with a back-and-forth overtime, highlighting both teams' resilience and the Hawks' areas for improvement as they move toward the All-Star break.