Bucks vs. Suns Game 2 Prediction
The Suns and the over cashed in the series opener on Tuesday night but will the Bucks respond with at least a cover in Game 2? Tip-off from Phoenix is set for 9:00 p.m. ET on Thursday night.
Game Snapshot
503 Milwaukee Bucks (+5.5) at 504 Phoenix Suns (-5.5); o/u 219.5
9:00 p.m. ET, Thursday, July 8 2021
Venue: Phoenix Suns Arena, Phoenix, AZ
TV: ABC
Milwaukee Bucks DFS Notes
Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from injury and scored 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting (1-of-2 3-pointers) and added 17 rebounds, four assists, two steals, three turnovers, and one amazing block in Tuesday’s 118-105 loss to Phoenix in Game 1. Giannis looked great on Tuesday evening and showed no signs of injury whatsoever. The Greek Freak was able to bully defenders to the hoop in his normal manner, finish above the rim with ferocious dunks, and even had one highlight reel chase down block that mimicked that of Lebron James’ in the 2016 NBA Finals. He was also able to play 35 minutes and even knocked down 7-of-12 free throws while being trolled by a raucous crowd in Phoenix. Even though the Bucks lost, they have to be encouraged given the way that Giannis looked and as long as he does not have any increased swelling or irritation between now and Thursday, Giannis and the Bucks should feel pretty good going into Thursday’s Game 2.
Phoenix Suns DFS Notes
DeAndre Ayton tallied 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting (6-of-6 free throws) and added 19 rebounds and one steal in 37 minutes as the Suns defeated the Bucks 118-105 to take a 1-0 series lead on Tuesday night. Ayton had his fourth game of the postseason with 20 points on 80% shooting, which is the most in a single postseason in the shot-clock era. His 19 rebounds were also the fourth most rebounds in an NBA Finals debut all-time. Only Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, and Bill Walton had more. Ayton has been a monster all postseason long and his ability to be a threat on the glass, in the pick-and-roll, and to score it on the block has been a major factor in the Suns’ success. Suns coach Monty Williams had even hinted pregame that Ayton could get some reps guarding Giannis Antetokounmpo, and though they didn’t necessarily need it Tuesday, this just shows the belief that the Suns organization has in their young star, big man. Ayton and the Suns will attempt to take a 2-0 lead on Thursday as they will host the Bucks again from Phoenix.
Bucks vs. Suns Game 2 NBA Finals Prediction
The Bucks are 0-4 against the spread in their last four games versus the Suns in Phoenix and are 0-4 against the number in their last five games versus Phoenix overall. They’re also 5-11 against the number in their last 16 playoff games as an underdog, are 3-10 against the spread in their last 13 games as an underdog and are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games as a road dog. On the other side, the Suns are 11-3 against the spread in their last 14 games overall and have covered in eight of their last 10 games after picking up an ATS win in their previous contest.
NBA FINALS GAME 2 PREDICTION: PHOENIX SUNS -5.5