Milwaukee Bucks vs Phoenix Suns Betting Odds, Lines Picks & Predictions Game 1

The NBA Finals are finally here and the Game 1 takes place on Tuesday night. The Bucks will take on the Suns in a battle of two small-market franchises who surprised everyone by getting to the finals. Milwaukee has been waiting for the title since 1971, while Phoenix is looking for the first championship in the franchise’s history. The Suns have won the West easier than anyone expected. They have lost only twice in their last 13 games, covering 10 times during that run. Their overall SU record this season is 63-25. Against the spread, they went 53-33-2. The Bucks had a bit more trouble getting out of their conference, losing 5 times in the previous two rounds. They’re now 58-31 SU and 42-47 ATS. The two teams played each other two times this season. The Suns came out as winners in both of those matchups.

Line Movement

The Suns are the firm favorites for Game 1. The initial odds favored them by -5.5 and the line has been stable so far. The total is set at 217.

Notes on Milwaukee Bucks

When Giannis when down in Game 4 of the Atlanta series, many saw it as the end of Milwaukee’s championship hopes. However, the Bucks showed great resilience to survive without their best players and won back-to-back games to earn their place in the Finals. In Giannis’ absence, the Bucks were forced to rely on Middleton, Holiday, and Lopez who stepped up big time. The trio combined for 156 points in the last two games, leading the Bucks past the Hawks. Right now, Milwaukee is 8-2 in 10 games without Giannis. In Game 6 vs Atlanta, Middleton scored 32 points, including 16 straight in the deciding 3rd quarter. Holiday almost had a triple-double, scoring 27 and adding 9 rebounds and 9 assists.

Giannis’s status for Game 1 of the Finals is still uncertain. The Greek Freak was supposed to be ready for Game 7 against Atlanta if needed, so that should be a good sign for Tuesday. Donte DiVincenzo is out for the season.

Notes on Phoenix Suns

The Suns are in the NBA Finals after an improbable, but dominant, run through the Western Conference. Phoenix features a deep and balanced team led by the experience of Chris Paula and the offensive talent of Devin Booker. Paul dominated series-clincher against the Clippers last Wednesday, torching his former team for 41 points. However, it was revealed after the game that Paul played with ligament issues in his right hand. Almost seven days of rest will surely do good for the experienced point guard. Devin Booker will also welcome the extra time to recover as he also struggled with a nose injury. The Clippers matchup was also a breakout series for Deandre Ayton. The young center has proven to already be one of the best big men in the league. Ayton finished the series with 17.8 points and 13.7 rebounds. He also posted a double-double in 11 out of 16 games in the playoffs.

Coach Williams should have all his players ready for Game 1.

Betting Pick: The Suns -5.5

With the uncertain status of Giannis and extra time to rest, it’s hard to look beyond the Suns for this one. They won Game 1 in all playoff matchups so far and dominated at home, losing only once. Expect them to use the Bucks’ fatigue and injury issues and go all in to build a lead before going to Milwaukee.