The Scout: NBA Finals Game 1

Posted on July 6, 2021July 6, 2021 | Posted by The Scout

Milwaukee Bucks @ Phoenix Suns

Game 1 of the NBA Finals sees the Phoenix Suns with home court advantage against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Suns looking for their first ever NBA Championship, the Bucks their first since 1971.

The biggest unknown for Milwaukee (and the entire series) is whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will play. More accurately, when he will play, and how healthy will he be. He is currently listed as day to day which points to him be ready to play when required, but you’d imagine he will be hampered by the knee injury.

On the flip side, the Suns are at full strength which includes point guard Chris Paul who has battled both injuries and Covid-19 through these playoffs. At 36 years of age, Paul is playing some of the best basketball of his career, and comes into this game off the back of a 41 point performance to clinch the Western Conference title.

His backcourt running mate, Devin Booker, is playing like a seasoned veteran despite this being his first postseason appearance. Booker is averaging 27 points per game on 48% shooting and (seemingly) all of a sudden has one of the best supporting casts surrounding him in Jae Crowder, Deandre Ayton and Mikael Bridges.

My guess is that the Bucks will give Giannis as much time as possible to recover, meaning I think we won’t see him here in Game 1. The Suns have won six of eight at home this playoffs, and Booker already has games of 48 points against the Lakers, and 40 points against the Clippers.

I think both Booker and the Suns make a statement in Game 1.

SUGGESTED BET: Phoenix 11+ (Margin) @ $2.80*

SUGGESTED BET: Devin Booker 35+ Points @ $4*

*Odds correct as at 8am, 6th July 2021.

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