Phoenix Suns at Milwaukee Bucks NBA Finals Game 3 Betting Preview
After playing the first two in Phoenix, the NBA finals between the Suns (2-0) and Bucks (0-2) will shift to Milwaukee for a pivotal Game 3. This game will be played at Fiserv Forum, with tipoff scheduled for 8:00 pm ET.
The Suns were able to win both of the first two games in this series. In the last game, on Thursday, they were able to take down Milwaukee 118-108.
In the win, Devin Booker led the way with 31 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Mikal Bridges also had a monster night going for 27 points and seven rebounds.
Despite losing, Giannis Antetokounmpo was back to his dominant self after suffering a knee injury in the Bucks’ last series. On Thursday, he led all scorers with 42 while also adding 12 rebounds and four assists.
The Milwaukee Bucks are the favorite Sunday playing at home. They are -188 to win while the Suns’ moneyline is +158. The spread features Phoenix +4 (-105), and the over/under for total points is 222 (-110).
By The Numbers
The Bucks continue to be the best scoring team in the entire NBA. They are averaging 117.9 points per game (119.2 at home). The Suns rank ninth, averaging 114.2 points per game (112.7 on the road).
Defensively, it is Phoenix with the upper hand. They rank fourth in scoring defense, allowing opponents just 108 points per game. The Bucks rank 17th allowing 112.4 points.
Suns Look To Keep Pressure On Bucks
The Suns come into Game 3 with an extreme amount of confidence, and for a good reason. 82% of the time that a team has gone up two games to zero in the NBA Finals, that team has won.
Despite that, the Suns still can’t become complacent and will look to keep the pressure on Milwaukee.
Leading the way this postseason for Phoenix are guards Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Booker leads the way averaging 27.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.
Chris Paul has also been sensational. He is averaging 19.3 points on 48.5% shooting. He is also chipping in 3.9 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
Other contributors include Deandre Ayton (16.2 points, 12.1 rebounds), Mikal Bridges (11.8 points, 4.3 rebounds), Jae Crowder (9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds), and Cameron Payne (9.6 points).
There Is Hope For Bucks
While 82% of the 2-0 leaders have gone onto win the NBA Finals, there are some exceptions. Most recently, the 2016 Cavaliers bucked that trend and ultimately won the championship. The Bucks have to know they are still in this one, but they have little time to waste.
They also have to get more support for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The “Greek Freak” has been fantastic this postseason, averaging 28.5 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. The problem, though, is he can’t do it alone.
The Bucks have to get more contributions from both Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday. Making roughly sixty million combined this season, these two have not consistently played to that level.
In fact, in Game 2, the pair combined for just 28 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds. That won’t get it done, no matter how special Giannis plays.
Taking The Suns And The Points
After their subpar performance on Thursday, this really feels like a game where Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday will bust out. Especially playing at home, the Bucks need them to have big games to avoid going into a 3-0 series hole.
Still, the Suns have absolutely dominated the first two games, so anytime you can get them and points, it is hard to pass up.
Take Phoenix +4 (-105).
