Bucks Suns odds picks prediction spread over/under betting line

Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks (35-21) visit the Phoenix Suns (44-10) in a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals. Tip-off at Footprint Center is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Bucks at Suns odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Milwaukee is on a four-game winning streak and has scored at least 131 points in each of its last three outings. The Bucks are 5-1 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) over the past two weeks.

Phoenix has won 14 of its last 15 including three straight road games at the Washington Wizards (95-80 Saturday), Chicago Bulls (127-124 Monday) and the Philadelphia 76ers (114-109 Tuesday).

The Bucks beat the Suns in last season’s NBA Finals 4-2 SU and ATS. But, Phoenix was 2-0 SU and ATS versus Milwaukee last regular season.

Bucks at Suns odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:05 p.m. ET.

Money line: Bucks +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Suns -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread: Bucks +3.5 (-112) | Suns -3.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 233.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Bucks at Suns key injuries

Bucks

SG Grayson Allen (hip) probable

Suns

None.

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Bucks at Suns odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 118, Suns 113

Money line

SPRINKLE on the BUCKS (+130) with the plan of hitting their spread harder.

Phoenix is playing better this season; the Suns are tied for first in net rating. However, Milwaukee is playing better entering this game and F Giannis Antetokounmpo might be playing the best basketball of his career.

The Bucks have a higher non-garbage time net rating and ATS margin than the Suns over the past two weeks, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Giannis is averaging 33.5 points on 76.3% true shooting (.676/.533/.756) with 12.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists and a plus-53.0 net rating (158 offensive rating) in four games in February.

Giannis also averaged 35.2 points on 61.8% shooting with 13.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists in last season’s Bucks-Suns six-game NBA Finals,

Again, if it’s either-or, take Milwaukee plus the points but I’m SPRINKLING a tiny wager on the BUCKS (+130).

Against the spread

Definitely BET the BUCKS +3.5 (-112) heavier than or instead of their money line because of the aforementioned logic and since Milwaukee’s spread is the sharper play.

The Bucks are 6-3 ATS on the road versus teams above-.500 while the Suns are 3-7 ATS at home versus teams above-.500.

For the record, the BUCKS +3.5 (-112) is my favorite wager in this game.

Over/Under

PASS.

Both teams play at a top-10 pace and are in the top-seven of effective field goal shooting so that’s why I’m staying away from the Under 233.5 (-115).

However, I cannot fully endorse an Over 233.5 (-107) wager because a vast majority of the market is also on the Over and I hate following a crowd of people in sports betting. Plus I’m just more comfortable with the Milwaukee side here.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Clark’s ‘Caps: Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns Game 5 player prop predictions

Geoff Clark breaks down two NBA player prop bet predictions for Saturday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns NBA Finals Game 5 showdown.

The Milwaukee Bucks (2-2) visit the Phoenix Suns (2-2) Saturday for Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Footprint Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:05 p.m. ET. Below, we’ll highlight the top NBA player prop bet predictions for Bucks-Suns Game 5.

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton shredded Phoenix with their two-man game Wednesday as they combined for 66 points on 50% field goal shooting with 20 rebounds and 12 assists.

On the other hand, aside from Devin Booker almost all of the Suns struggled offensively in Game 4. Booker put up 42 points on 17-of-28 shooting, but Chris Paul added just 10 points and SF Mikal Bridges scored only 7 points.

Also see: Bucks at Suns Game 5 odds, picks and prediction

Bucks at Suns Game 5 prop bet predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:14 p.m. ET.

Phoenix Suns SF Mikal Bridges OVER 15.5 points, assists & rebounds “PRA” (-130)

Bridges struggled over the past two Finals games in Milwaukee but typically role players are more reliable at home in the playoffs and four of Bridges’ five highest game scores during the postseason have been in Phoenix.

Also, Bridges has gone Over 13.5 “PRA” in four of the six Bucks-Suns games this year (including the regular season) and averaged 19.9 “PRA” during the regular season and is averaging 17.1 “PRA” in the playoffs.

Furthermore, Bridges is more of a 3-and-D guy. He has 10 multi-assist games in these playoffs, five or more rebounds in nine playoff games and Phoenix’s fourth-highest usage rate in the Finals (minimum of five minutes played).

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Milwaukee Bucks SG Pat Connaughton OVER 1.5 made 3-pointers (-135)

First of all, I hate that I’m betting two Overs for player props in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Typically as postseason series wind down, games get played at a slower pace and fewer points are scored.

However, Connaughton’s 3-point player prop has been easy money so far in the Finals. He’s made at least two 3-pointers in every Finals game (and five straight playoff games) with the second-most 3-point attempts for the Bucks in this series while shooting 45.8% from three.

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Moreover, Connaughton is averaging 31.0 minutes per game in the Finals not only because he’s a knockdown 3-point shooter but because he can also defend guards, wings and stretch-4s.

In fact, Connaughton has a plus-16 net rating this series and has been tasked with chasing Phoenix’s 3-and-D guys off the 3-point line. which has been a key wrinkle in Milwaukee’s defensive scheme in the Finals.

What I’m getting at is Connaughton should get the necessary 3-point volume and brings other things to the table, which ensures he gets enough playing time to go Over his 3-pointers made prop.

Want some action on these props? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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NBA Finals: Phoenix Suns at Milwaukee Bucks Game 4 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Phoenix Suns at Milwaukee Bucks NBA Finals Game 4 odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Phoenix Suns take on the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Finals Wednesday at Fiserv Forum with tip-off scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Suns-Bucks odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.

Milwaukee trampled Phoenix 120-100 in Game 3 to get back into the series behind another epic performance by PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had 41 points and 13 rebounds.

The Bucks won all “four factors” Sunday and their defense wiped Suns SG Devin Booker out of the game by holding him to just 10 points on 21.4% shooting (1-for-7 from 3-point range) with just 5 free-throw attempts.

Game 3 was Milwaukee’s first win and cover against Phoenix in their five meetings this season (including the playoffs) and the first Bucks-Suns game that didn’t go Over the projected total. It ended in a push on the 220-point closing line.

Also see: Updated 2021 NBA Finals best bet

Suns at Bucks: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:45 p.m. ET.

Money line: Suns +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Bucks -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Suns +5 (-110) | Bucks -5 (-110)
Over/Under: 221.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Suns at Bucks: Key injuries

Suns

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 118, Suns 109

Money line (ML)

PASS even though I “like” Milwaukee to win Game 4 convincingly because there’s more value in taking the Bucks at +225 to win the series outright than at -190 to win Game 4.

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Against the spread (ATS)

GIMME the BUCKS -5 (-110) for 1 unit because Milwaukee is dominating Phoenix on the boards and Giannis has surpassed his back-to-back MVP form of the last two seasons.

Antetokounmpo bulldozed the Suns in the regular season—averaging 40.0 points per game on 60.0% shooting. He’s also having his way against Phoenix in the NBA Finals with 34.3 points per game on 62.5% shooting with 14.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.

When the leader of a team plays at this caliber then everything becomes easier for his teammates. I expect PG Jrue Holiday and SF Khris Middleton‘s production to improve if Giannis continues his domination.

A major reason why I’m banking on Giannis moving forward is that his production is based on his superior athleticism and not hot or lucky shooting.

Phoenix ranked 24th in defensive field-goal percentage of attempts at the rim during the regular season, according to CleaningTheGlass.com, and Giannis is leading the postseason with 20.1 points in the paint per game.

Antetokounmpo wreaking havoc on the Suns in the paint will create wide-open looks for his supporting cast and role players generally shoot better at home.

The BUCKS -5 (-110) will roll at home and head back to Phoenix with the NBA Finals tied two games apiece.

Over/Under (O/U)

TAKE the OVER 221.5 (-110) for 1 unit because the first four Bucks-Suns games went Over the total and Game 3 would have, too, if the game was a little tighter entering the fourth quarter.

Also, Milwaukee’s weak defense against mid-range shots is something CP3 and Booker can pick apart, which should create good looks for outside shooters.

With that being said, I expect the Suns to be chasing the Bucks for most of the game and Milwaukee is due for a game where Giannis, Jrue and Middleton all play well.

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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Clark’s ‘Caps: Phoenix Suns at Milwaukee Bucks Game 3 player prop predictions

Geoff Clark breaks down two NBA player prop bet predictions for Sunday’s Phoenix Suns at Milwaukee Bucks NBA Finals Game 3 showdown.

Game 3 of the NBA Finals tips off Sunday at Fiserv Forum at 8:05 p.m. ET with the Milwaukee Bucks (0-2) hosting the Phoenix Suns (2-0). Below, we’ll highlight the top NBA player prop bet predictions for Bucks-Suns Game 3.

All the superstars came to play in Game 2: Giannis Antetokounmpo put up 42 points with 12 rebounds, Chris Paul scored 23 points and notched 8 assists and Devin Booker added 31 points with 6 assists.

Phoenix also got a career outing from Mikal Bridges who scored 27 points on 53.3% shooting, but Game 2 was swung because of lackluster performances from the Bucks backcourt as Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton who only scored a combined 28 points on 12-for-37 shooting.

Also see: Suns at Bucks Game 3 odds, picks and prediction

Bucks at Suns Game 3 prop bet predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:17 p.m. ET.

Milwaukee Bucks SF Khris Middleton OVER 2.5 made 3-pointers (-120)

After having an awesome first game, Middleton put up a stinker in Game 2 but should have a bounce-back effort now that the series is in Milwaukee.

Offensively, Middleton has been a lot comfier at home, shooting 46.8% from three in Milwaukee (36.6% from three on the road) with a 121 offensive rating at home (111 offensive rating on the road).

Furthermore, Middleton has sunk at least three 3-pointers in five of his eight playoff home games this year.

Also, Middleton has hit at least three 3-pointers in four of his last six games against Suns SG Devin Booker.

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Phoenix Suns SG Devin Booker OVER 28.5 points (-120)

Speaking of Devin Booker, his preference to operate in the mid-range and his 3-point volume are why Booker’s points prop is priced this high.

This is obviously a sharp number as he averaged 27.0 points per game vs. the Bucks in two regular-season meetings and is averaging 29.0 PPG through the first two games of the NBA Finals.

However, the Over is the play because Milwaukee’s defense ranks 20th in defensive field goal percentage on mid-range attempts, according to CleaningTheGlass.com, and that’s where a bulk of Booker’s production comes from.

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For instance, 50% of Booker’s field goal attempts during the regular season came in the mid-range which was in the 100th percentile of all guards and his mid-range field goal volume has increased to 57% during the postseason.

The same case could be made for CP3’s point prop but I prefer Booker’s more so since Holiday – who’s NBA All-Defensive First Team – is defending Paul and because of CP3’s interesting history with Game 3 official Scott Foster.

Lastly, Booker has increased 3-point attempt volume thus far in the Finals because of Milwaukee’s defensive strategy to play drop coverage on pick-and-rolls and allow their opponents to hoist threes.

He’s averaging 10.0 3-point attempts per game in the Finals and if Booker continues to chuck threes at that rate, he should be flirting with a 30-piece in every game this series.

Want some action on these props? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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NBA Finals: Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns Game 2 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns NBA Finals Game 2 odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Milwaukee Bucks hope to even the series with the Phoenix Suns in Game 2 of the NBA Finals Thursday. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:05 p.m. ET at Phoenix Suns Arena. Below, we analyze the Bucks-Suns Game 2 odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.

The Bucks fell behind 1-0 for the third series in a row with a 118-105 loss in Game 1. SF Khris Middleton led Milwaukee with 29 points and PF Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 20 points and pulled down 17 rebounds in his first game back from a hyperextended knee he suffered in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Suns picked up a Game 1 win for the fourth series in a row behind the play of PG Chris Paul and SG Devin Booker. Paul scored 32 points and added 9 assists, while Booker added 27 points and 6 assists. C Deandre Ayton posted a double-double with 22 points and 19 boards.

Also see: Bucks at Suns Game 2 player prop predictions

Bucks at Suns: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bucks +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Suns -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Bucks +5.5 (-110) | Suns -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 219.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Bucks at Suns: Key injuries

Bucks

No injuries affecting the betting odds.

Suns

PF Dario Saric (knee) out

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Bucks at Suns: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Suns 109, Bucks 102

Money line (ML)

The Bucks have been in this position before, falling behind 2-0 against the Brooklyn Nets and 1-0 in the conference finals against the Atlanta Hawks. They’ve lost twice in a row only once this postseason. However, they don’t seem to have an answer defensively to limit all three of the Suns’ main offensive options in Paul, Booker and Ayton.

The Suns were in control for most of Game 1 and were able to limit Antetokounmpo in his first game back. They haven’t lost a Game 2 since the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers and have won 12 of their last 14 games. Phoenix defeated Milwaukee in each of their three meetings this year.

Take the SUNS (-225).

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Against the spread (ATS)

Milwaukee is 10-8 ATS this postseason and has not covered the spread in a loss in the playoffs.

The Suns are 12-5 ATS in the postseason and have only failed to cover in one of their wins. They are now 3-0 ATS against Milwaukee.

Take the SUNS -5.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Game 1 went Over the projected total.

The Bucks’ last three games hit the Over, as did the last three for the Suns.

Last series both teams’ Game 2 went Under the projected total.

Milwaukee is 7-10-1 O/U in the playoffs and the Suns are 7-9-1 O/U in the postseason.

Take UNDER 219.5 (-110).

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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Clark’s ‘Caps: Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns Game 2 player prop predictions

Geoff Clark breaks down two NBA player prop bet predictions for Thursday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns NBA Finals Game 2 showdown.

The Phoenix Suns (1-0) look to take a two-game lead in their NBA Finals series against the Milwaukee Bucks (0-1) Thursday at their self-titled arena. Tip-off is set for 9:05 p.m. ET. Below, we’ll highlight the top NBA player prop bet predictions for Bucks-Suns Game 2.

Bucks two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo surprised everyone by returning from a knee injury that kept him out of the last two games of the Eastern Conference Finals by suiting up for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

There was certainly a little rust for Giannis to knock off but he still had a solid outing scoring 20 points on 54.5% shooting with 17 rebounds and 4 assists.

On the other side, Chris Paul was fantastic, putting up a game-high 32 points on 63.2% shooting with 9 assists while Suns big Deandre Ayton added 22 points with 19 rebounds and Devin Booker had 27 points.

Bucks at Suns Game 2 prop bet predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated 7:23 a.m. ET.

Milwaukee Bucks C Brook Lopez OVER 12.5 points (-130)

Lopez cleared this points prop in Game 1 easily by scoring 17 points on 50% shooting (3-for-5 from 3-point land) and did so on just 22:50 minutes of game time.

I could see Lopez getting more run in Game 2 since Ayton played 38:44 minutes in Game 1. Ayton is a legit seven-footer, as is Lopez, and if the Bucks don’t put Lopez out there then Ayton could dominate the paint.

Furthermore, Ayton spent more time defending Giannis than any other Suns player, which left Phoenix stretch-4 Jae Crowder to guard the much larger Lopez.

This was a big reason why Lopez had a game-high five offensive rebounds Tuesday and, if he gets matched up with Crowder again, Lopez will have an easier time getting putbacks. Any deep post touches for Lopez vs. Crowder should be easy points.

BET B. Lopez OVER 12.5 points (-130) for 1 unit.

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Suns PF Cameron Johnson OVER 1.5 made 3-pointers (+110)

Even though I whiffed with this angle in my Game 1 player props piece, I’m going back to the well with Johnson’s 3-point prop under the thinking that he’ll get quality looks because Milwaukee’s defense will be more fixated on defending CP3 and Booker.

Again, this has been Milwaukee’s defensive strategy all year long as the Bucks have the worst defensive 3-point percentage vs. opposing power forwards on the most 3-point attempts allowed to the position during the regular season.

This strategy could burn them if employed against Johnson because he’s been on fire during these playoffs.

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Johnson is shooting 45.5% from behind the arc in the postseason and has made at least two 3-pointers in nine of his 16 playoff games.

Also, Johnson shot 46.2% from three (6-for-13 from behind the arc) against Milwaukee in the regular season.

Lastly, any adjustments the Bucks defense makes to prevent CP3 from lighting them up again or keeping Booker off the foul line is going to create wide-open looks for Phoenix role players.

BET C. Johnson OVER 1.5 made 3-pointers (+110) for 1 unit.

Want some action on these props? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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NBA Finals: Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns Game 1 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns NBA Finals Game 1 odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Eastern Conference champion Milwaukee Bucks face the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of the NBA Finals Tuesday night. Tip-off is at 9 p.m. ET at Phoenix Suns Arena. Below, we analyze the Bucks-Suns Game 1 odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.

The Bucks were the No. 3 seed in the East. Their playoff run started with a four-game sweep of the Miami Heat. They then upset the Brooklyn Nets in seven games and took care of the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games, playing the final two without PF Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a knee injury he suffered in Game 4.

The Suns were the second seed in the West. They took down the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in six games in the first round and swept the Denver Nuggets in the second round. Phoenix defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in six games in the Western Conference Finals to make it to the championship round.

Bucks at Suns: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bucks +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Suns -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Against the spread/ATS: Bucks +6 (-110) | Suns -6 (-110)
Over/Under: 218.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Bucks at Suns: Key injuries

Bucks

PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) doubtful
PG Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out

Suns

None

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Bucks at Suns: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Suns 115, Bucks 105

Money line (ML)

The Bucks lost Game 1 in each of the last two series and will likely be without their best player in Antetokounmpo Tuesday. Of course, they went 2-0 in the last series without him but were only 6-5 in his absences in the regular season.

The Suns beat the Bucks by 1 point in both of their regular-season meetings, and they’re 3-0 in series openers this postseason. They are playing at full strength.

Back the healthy SUNS (-250) to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Bucks are only 42-47 ATS this year but 10-7 ATS in the postseason. They went 0-2 ATS against the Suns in the regular season and are 19-26 ATS on the road, including the playoffs.

The Suns have the highest cover percentage in the NBA for the regular and postseason at 60.9%. They covered the spread in 11 of their 12 postseason wins and did so in all three series openers.

Take the SUNS -6 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Bucks are sixth in the league in Over percentage at 53.4% but that dropped to 37.5% in the playoffs. However, in their two games without Antetokounmpo, the pace picked up and their final two games against the Hawks hit the Over.

The Suns are fourth in the NBA with a 55.2% Over rate, but they’re 6-9-1 O/U in the postseason. Their final two games against the Clippers hit the Over.

The pace of this game should be high.

Take OVER 218.5 (-115).

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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Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns NBA odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Phoenix Suns (14-9) host the Milwaukee Bucks (16-8) Wednesday PHX Arena for a 10 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Bucks-Suns NBA odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Milwaukee is playing its fourth game of a six-game road trip and has it rolling right now. The Bucks have won and covered the spread in five straight games and are first in net rating, assist to turnover ratio, effective field-goal percentage and rebounding percentage over that stretch.

The Suns aren’t playing much worse despite dealing with some bumps and bruises to their backcourt. Phoenix has won six of its last seven (6-1 ATS) because of defense and how it performed in the closing moments of games.

These teams split last season’s series 1-1 with the home team claiming each victory. Since the beginning of the 2017-18 season, Phoenix is 3-3 straight up and 4-2 ATS vs. Milwaukee.

Bucks at Suns: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:50 p.m. ET.

Money line: Bucks -185 (bet $185 to win $100) | Suns +150 (bet $100 to win $150)
Against the spread/ATS: Bucks -4.5 (-110) | Suns +4.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 226.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Bucks at Suns: Key injuries

Bucks

PG Jrue Holiday (health and safety protocols) out

Suns

PG Chris Paul (hamstring) questionable
SF Jae Crowder (foot) questionable
SF Abdel Nader (ankle) questionable

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Bucks at Suns: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Bucks 114, Suns 105

Money line (ML)

PASS because Milwaukee is the right side but the Bucks (-185) are out of my price range.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Elephant in the room: Who is guarding reigning MVP PF Giannis Antetokounmpo? Since Suns wing/forward Crowder is listed as questionable on the injury report, Phoenix’s projected starting power forward is Frank Kaminsky. If that’s the matchup at tip-off, Giannis should demolish him.

Moreover, Phoenix’s injury report is more concerning than Milwaukee’s. The Suns have one of the better 3-point defenses but the Bucks are one of the highest-volume and best 3-point shooting teams in the Association.

If Paul isn’t out there then Phoenix’s 3-point defense will be less effective even with Milwaukee missing Holiday. TAKE BUCKS -4.5 (-110) for 1 unit.

Over/Under (O/U)

I’d gamble on Milwaukee covering regardless of the final injury report but my handicap of the total is more injury based. Not only does CP3 make Phoenix’s perimeter defense elite but he grinds this game down without Holiday in the lineup.

Also, Milwaukee is doing this thing on defense which allows the poorer shooters on opposing teams to attempt the threes. It’s not working that well so far since the Bucks are 23rd in 3-point defense, but the Suns are 20th in 3-point percentage.

If Milwaukee keys its defense on SG Devin Booker and SF Mikal Bridges the Bucks should be in good shape. BET UNDER 226.5 (-110) for 1 unit (pending the final injury report).

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Also see:

NBA Power Rankings: Jazz maintain, while Kings make a big leap (Rookie Wire)
Hoops Hype rumors: Bucks | Suns

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