The Milwaukee Bucks (0-2) host the Phoenix Suns (2-0) Sunday in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Suns-Bucks odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
Phoenix held serve at home for the first two games of the series, scoring 118 points in each game and the Suns have a plus-12 in offensive rating thus far in the Finals.
Including the regular season, the Suns have covered all four meetings with the Bucks this season and the Over has cashed in all four contests.
Giannis scored a game-high 42 points on 15-for-22 shooting with 12 rebounds in Game 2. However, Phoenix’s backcourt has been fantastic this series as PG Chris Paul and SG Devin Booker are averaging a combined 56.5 points and 14.5 assists per game.
Suns at Bucks: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Suns +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Bucks -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Suns +4 (-110) | Bucks -4 (-110)
- Over/Under: 221.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Suns at Bucks: Key injuries
Suns
- SF Torrey Craig (knee) questionable
- PF Dario Saric (knee) out
Bucks
- SG Donte DiVincenzo (foot) out
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Suns at Bucks: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Bucks 116, Suns 113
Money line (ML)
PASS because while I’m on Phoenix plus the points the Suns (+145) is just not a big enough payout to take a stab at the underdog’s money line.
Before the Finals started I picked Phoenix to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy but while the Suns have won all four meetings with the Bucks this season I’m not ruling out Milwaukee’s chances at getting back into this series.
Everyone counted the Bucks out when they were down 0-2 heading back to Milwaukee in their Eastern Conference Semifinals series with the Brooklyn Nets but things happened and they ended up stealing that series.
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Against the spread (ATS)
“LEAN” to the SUNS +4 (-110) for a half unit since Phoenix has an edge in three of the “four factors” in this series and it’s just too easy for the Suns to get what they want against Milwaukee’s defense.
Both All-Stars in Phoenix’s backcourt like to operate in the mid-range and Milwaukee had the 20th-ranked defensive field goal percentage on mid-range jumpers during the regular season, according to CleaningTheGlass.com.
Also, the Suns have the third-highest 3-point percentage on corner attempts and the Bucks have the worst defensive 3-point percentage vs. corner threes.
Wait until closer to tip-off before making a wager on Game 3 because the market is backing Milwaukee in this spot and has steamed the Bucks up from a 3.5-point favorite to the current number.
Typically a “contrarian” approach to sports gambling is more profitable than following the herd.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET the OVER 221.5 (-115) for 1 unit because Giannis should continue his sensational play against the Suns in Game 3 and I expect him to get more help from PG Jrue Holiday and SF Khris Middleton in this game.
Also, as I mentioned earlier, there are too many ways for Phoenix’s offense to get points on Milwaukee’s defense.
Lastly, there are plenty of situational trends suggesting a higher scoring affair including the Over cashing in six straight Suns-Bucks meetings, Phoenix’s 24-20 O/U record on the road and Milwaukee’s 25-19 O/U record at home.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
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