There are potentially just seven games between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns and greatness this season. The NBA Finals finally get underway on Tuesday evening, but which of the two sides will be able to take game one at the Talking Stick Resort Arena?
Milwaukee Bucks vs Phoenix Suns Odds
| Milwaukee Bucks (+6.0) | -105 |
| Phoenix Suns (-6.0) | -115 |
Milwaukee Bucks vs Phoenix Suns Preview
Bucks Without Giannis
The Milwaukee Bucks have been knocking on the door in the NBA for the past couple of years, but there is a sense that they have never been in a stronger position that they are this term. The Bucks have only won the NBA title on one previous occasion, with that victory coming back in 1971. They won just their third conference title this season, as they came out on top against the Atlanta Hawks. Despite a slight wobble, the Bucks eventually managed to secure their finals berth with a 118-107 victory in game six in Atlanta.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was missing in the final game, and he remains a doubt for the opening game of the finals. Khris Middleton carried the burden in the recent game against the Hawks, as he scored 32 points. Jrue Holiday also continued his excellent season with 27 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton also scored at least ten points in that win.
Suns Looking For First NBA Title
It has been an excellent season for the Phoenix Suns, but Monty Williams will be hoping that his side don’t come up short once again. The Suns have reached the NBA Finals on two occasions in the past, but they came up short on both occasions. Their most recent finals appearance came in 1993, but they were beaten by a Michael Jordan-inspired Chicago Bulls. There is a sense that this is their best ever opportunity.
Phoenix finished the season in second overall in the Western Conference, and have been building momentum throughout the post-season. They knocked out the LA Lakers in the opening round, before easing to a sweet against the Denver Nuggets in the semi-finals. In the Western Conference Finals, they saw off the LA Clippers in six games. Chris Paul was the leading player in their game six victory, as he scored 41 points in the 130-103 victory.
Recent Meetings
The Suns hold a narrow advantage in the overall record against the Bucks, as they have won 75 times compared to the 71 wins recorded by Milwaukee. Phoenix have also won the last three meetings, including two in the most recent regular season. The most recent win was a 128-127 success after overtime.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Phoenix Suns Pick
Game one could be an entertaining affair between these two sides. However, the absence of Giannis could be telling. The Suns look to be the side to take game one with home court advantage, but that is no guarantee that they will be claiming their first NBA title this season.
