The Milwaukee Bucks have not reached the NBA Finals since 1974. The Atlanta Hawks haven't been there since 1961. One of those droughts is coming to an end soon.
In an unexpected Eastern Conference final, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo's Bucks is pinned against the Trae Young Hawks. While Milwaukee is in favor of winning the series, Atlanta is proving everyone wrong postseason with an upset win over the New York Knicks and a thrilling seven-game series win over the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers.
Meanwhile, the Bucks enter a fresh matchup from their seven-game fight to overcome Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets, so both former finalists are battle-tested during these playoffs.
Does Atlanta have an answer to Antetokounmpo? Will Milwaukee be able to slow down Young? Our experts reveal their predictions for the Bucks-Hawks and conference finals.
Eastern Conference finals
Milwaukee Bucks (3) vs. Atlanta Hawks (5)
Jerry Bembry: Hawks in 6
Nick DePaula: Bucks in 6
Nick Friedell: Bucks in 6
Israel Gutierrez: Bucks in 5
Zach Lowe: Bucks in 6
Tim MacMahon: Bucks in 6
Bobby Marks: Bucks in 7
Dave McMenamin: Bucks in 5
Monica McNutt: Bucks in 7
Kevin Pelton: Bucks in 7
Omar Raja: Bucks in 5
Jorge Sedano: Bucks in 6
Ramona Shelburne: Hawks in 7
André Snellings: Bucks in 6
Marc J. Spears: Bucks in 6
Royce Young: Bucks in 6
Ohm Youngmisuk: Bucks in 7
Final tally: Bucks 15, Hawks 2.
Western Conference finals
Phoenix Suns (2) vs. LA Clippers (4)
Note: Picks were made prior to Game 1 of the series.
Nick DePaula: Suns in 6
Nick Friedell: Clippers in 6
Israel Gutierrez: Suns in 7
Tim MacMahon: Suns in 7
Bobby Marks: Suns in 7
Dave McMenamin: Clippers in 7
Monica McNutt: Suns in 7
Kevin Pelton: Suns in 7
Omar Raja: Suns in 5
Jorge Sedano: Suns in 7
Ramona Shelburne: Clippers in 7
André Snellings: Suns in 6
Marc J. Spears: Suns in 7
Royce Young: Suns in 7
Ohm Youngmisuk: Suns in 7