Giannis Antetokounmpo's knee held up, but it wasn't enough as the Bucks fell to Phoenix in the opening game of the NBA Finals.
The Phoenix Suns rather easily held serve in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday night vs. the Milwaukee Bucks, 118-105, and the Suns are 5.5-point home favourites for Thursday’s Game 2 on the NBA odds. The total is set at 220.5 points.
Bucks vs. Suns NBA Playoff Odds
On the moneyline for Game 2, Phoenix is -219 and Milwaukee +182. Both the over and under 220.5 points are -110. On the updated series line odds, the Suns are -357 and Bucks +275.
Really not a shock that the home team won Game 1 of the 2021 NBA Finals as it has now done every year but once since 2005 – including when the Los Angeles Lakers were the “home team” in Game 1 of the 2020 Finals in the Orlando bubble.
Milwaukee is 2-1 in Game 2s of these playoffs, with the two victories at home and one loss in Brooklyn in the East semifinals. That was the lone series in which the Bucks trailed 2-0. Phoenix is 2-1 in Game 2s and all three games were at home.
The Suns also won both regular-season meetings vs. the Bucks and have now covered the spread four straight overall in the series as well as four straight at home vs. Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks superstar and two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was not supposed to play in Game 1 due to a knee injury that kept him out of Games 5-6 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Giannis was listed as doubtful for the opener vs. the Suns, which means technically a 25 per cent chance of playing. However, he was upgraded to questionable Tuesday afternoon and then to a game-time decision before being cleared. That obviously affect the spread a bit, with the Bucks generally closing at +5 when at one point they were as high as +6.5.
Giannis didn’t appear affected by the knee at all, playing 35 minutes and finishing with 20 points, 17 rebounds and four assists in the 118-105 loss. He was the only Bucks starter with a positive plus/minus rating, albeit only plus-1. Every other starter was at least minus-11. Khris Middleton led with 29 points, but it took him an inefficient 26 shots. Jrue Holiday had played so well in the two previous games the Greek Freak missed, but he was only 4-for-14 for 10 points. Centre Brook Lopez had 17 points but was abused on defence (look for perhaps a change there in Game 2). Bobby Portis, who had started the previous two games, had five points off the bench. Milwaukee is 4-0 ATS in its past five following an ATS loss.
Phoenix Suns
In his first-ever NBA Finals game, future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul was spectacular with 32 points (none in the first quarter) on 12-for-19 shooting and nine assists in 37 minutes. Paul scored or assisted on 54 points, the third-most points scored or assisted on in a player’s Finals debut. Devin Booker had 27 points and was 10-for-10 from free throw line. Those were more free throw makes than the Bucks had as a team; Phoenix outscored Milwaukee by 16 points from the charity stripe.
The Bucks had no answer down low for Suns young big man Deandre Ayton, who was 8-for-10 shooting for 22 points with 19 rebounds. He joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971 (for the Bucks) as the only players in NBA history with at least 20 points and 15 rebounds on 80 per cent shooting in their Finals debut. The Suns also got 10 points each from reserves Cameron Johnson and Cameron Payne. However, another key reserve, forward Dario Saric, left in the first quarter with a knee injury. No update yet, but it didn’t look good. The Suns are 8-3 ATS in their past 11 following a victory. We think they win again, but that it will be much, much closer.
NBA Playoff Prediction: Who Will Win Bucks vs. Suns?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 7 Jul 3:50am | MIL | -5.5 -110 | O +221 -110 |
| Closing 9 Jul 12:35am | MIL | -4.5 -110 | O +221 -105 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Bucks Team Leaders
| Points |
28.15 |
| Assists |
6.05 |
| Rebounds |
11 |
| FG% |
62.5 |
| Steals |
1.63 |
| Blocks |
1.47 |
| Points |
25.55 |
| Assists |
8.89 |
| Rebounds |
10.54 |
| FG% |
62.6 |
| Steals |
1.41 |
| Blocks |
1.17 |
| Points |
30.19 |
| Assists |
8.65 |
| Rebounds |
12.81 |
| FG% |
60 |
| Steals |
1.65 |
| Blocks |
1.48 |
| Points |
27.32 |
| Assists |
8.55 |
| Rebounds |
11.82 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
1.15 |
| Blocks |
1.09 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Suns Team Leaders
| Points |
28.15 |
| Assists |
6.05 |
| Rebounds |
11 |
| FG% |
62.5 |
| Steals |
1.63 |
| Blocks |
1.47 |
| Points |
25.55 |
| Assists |
8.89 |
| Rebounds |
10.54 |
| FG% |
62.6 |
| Steals |
1.41 |
| Blocks |
1.17 |
| Points |
30.19 |
| Assists |
8.65 |
| Rebounds |
12.81 |
| FG% |
60 |
| Steals |
1.65 |
| Blocks |
1.48 |
| Points |
27.32 |
| Assists |
8.55 |
| Rebounds |
11.82 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
1.15 |
| Blocks |
1.09 |
Injuries
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF)
Sam Merrill (PG)
Sam Merrill (PG)
Jordan Nwora (PF)
Donte DiVincenzo (SG)
Jeff Teague (PG)
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF)
Khris Middleton (SF)
P.J. Tucker (SF)
Khris Middleton (SF)
Torrey Craig (SF)
Dario Saric (SF)
Cameron Johnson (PF)
Cameron Payne (PG)
Cameron Payne (PG)
Ty-Shon Alexander (PG)
Jae Crowder (SF)
Deandre Ayton (C)
Cameron Johnson (PF)
Cameron Johnson (PF)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF) | Out indefinitely | Illness - 17 / 07 / 21 | 2-0 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Antetokounmpo is going through the league's health and safety protocols, and he will miss an undetermined length of time. |
|||||
| Sam Merrill (PG) | Ques Tues | Ankle - 17 / 07 / 21 | 2-0 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Merrill has a sprained right ankle and is questionable for Game 6 of the NBA Final. |
|||||
| Sam Merrill (PG) | Ques Sun | Ankle - 09 / 06 / 21 | 10-7 | 7-8-2 | + - |
|
Merrill is dealing with a right ankle sprain, and it is unknown if he will be in the lineup for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference second round versus the Nets. |
|||||
| Jordan Nwora (PF) | Ques Fri | Thigh - 07 / 06 / 21 | 10-8 | 7-9-2 | + - |
|
Nwora is bothered by a left thigh contusion, and it is unclear if he will partake in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals versus the Hawks. |
|||||
| Donte DiVincenzo (SG) | out for season | Foot - 28 / 05 / 21 | 12-8 | 8-10-2 | + - |
|
DiVincenzo suffered a tendon injury in his left foot and will miss the remainder of the season. |
|||||
| Jeff Teague (PG) | Ques Thurs | Knee - 21 / 05 / 21 | 13-10 | 10-11-2 | + - |
|
Teague is nursing a sore left knee, and it is unknown if he will dress for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat. |
|||||
| Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF) | Mid June | Knee - 17 / 05 / 21 | 14-10 | 10-12-2 | + - |
|
Antetokounmpo is battling right patella tendon soreness, and it is anticipated that he will be out until the middle of June. |
|||||
| Khris Middleton (SF) | Ques Sat | Ankle - 16 / 05 / 21 | 14-10 | 10-12-2 | + - |
|
Middleton is dealing with left ankle soreness, and it is unclear if he will take the court against the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| P.J. Tucker (SF) | Prob Fri | Neck - 06 / 05 / 21 | 14-15 | 14-13-2 | + - |
|
Tucker exited the previous contest with a neck and jaw injury, but it is projected that he will dress for Friday's clash with the Rockets. |
|||||
| Khris Middleton (SF) | Prob Fri | Knee - 05 / 05 / 21 | 15-15 | 14-14-2 | + - |
|
Middleton missed the last game with right knee soreness, but it is likely that he will take on the Rockets on Friday. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torrey Craig (SF) | Prob Sun | Knee - 09 / 07 / 21 | 2-3 | 3-1-1 | + - |
|
Craig is bothered by a right knee contusion, but it is anticipated that he will take the court in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Bucks. |
|||||
| Dario Saric (SF) | Out indefinitely | Knee - 06 / 07 / 21 | 3-3 | 4-1-1 | + - |
|
Saric has torn his right ACL and he will miss an extended period. |
|||||
| Cameron Johnson (PF) | Ques Tues | Illness - 30 / 06 / 21 | 3-4 | 5-1-1 | + - |
|
Johnson is ailing from an illness, and it is unclear if he will take on the Bucks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. |
|||||
| Cameron Payne (PG) | Prob Sat | Ankle - 25 / 06 / 21 | 4-6 | 5-4-1 | + - |
|
Payne is nursing a left ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will be available for Game 4 of the Western Conference final versus the Clippers. |
|||||
| Cameron Payne (PG) | day-to-day | Ankle - 24 / 06 / 21 | 4-6 | 5-4-1 | + - |
|
Payne was lifted from Thursday's game with a left ankle injury, and he will not return. |
|||||
| Ty-Shon Alexander (PG) | Ques Wed | Illness - 03 / 06 / 21 | 11-6 | 9-7-1 | + - |
|
Alexander is ailing from an illness, and it is uncertain if he will be active for Game 2 of the Western Conference second round against the Nuggets. |
|||||
| Jae Crowder (SF) | Out Sun | Rest - 16 / 05 / 21 | 14-8 | 11-10-2 | + - |
|
Crowder will not suit up for Sunday's tilt against the Spurs, as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
| Deandre Ayton (C) | Prob Sun | Knee - 13 / 05 / 21 | 14-10 | 12-11-2 | + - |
|
Ayton is dealing with left knee soreness, but it is anticipated that he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Lakers. |
|||||
| Cameron Johnson (PF) | Prob Sun | Wrist - 06 / 05 / 21 | 15-12 | 15-11-2 | + - |
|
Johnson has been out of commission due to a right wrist sprain, but he is expected to take on the Lakers in the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Cameron Johnson (PF) | Prob Sun | Wrist - 02 / 05 / 21 | 17-13 | 18-11-2 | + - |
|
Johnson is tending to a sprained right wrist, but he is likely to take the court Sunday versus the Thunder. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 7 Jul 3:50am MIL -5.5 -110 O +221 -110 Closing 9 Jul 12:35am MIL -4.5 -110 O +221 -105 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Bucks Team Leaders
Points 28.15
Assists 6.05
Rebounds 11
FG% 62.5
Steals 1.63
Blocks 1.47
Points 25.55
Assists 8.89
Rebounds 10.54
FG% 62.6
Steals 1.41
Blocks 1.17
Points 30.19
Assists 8.65
Rebounds 12.81
FG% 60
Steals 1.65
Blocks 1.48
Points 27.32
Assists 8.55
Rebounds 11.82
FG% 100
Steals 1.15
Blocks 1.09
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Suns Team Leaders
Points 28.15
Assists 6.05
Rebounds 11
FG% 62.5
Steals 1.63
Blocks 1.47
Points 25.55
Assists 8.89
Rebounds 10.54
FG% 62.6
Steals 1.41
Blocks 1.17
Points 30.19
Assists 8.65
Rebounds 12.81
FG% 60
Steals 1.65
Blocks 1.48
Points 27.32
Assists 8.55
Rebounds 11.82
FG% 100
Steals 1.15
Blocks 1.09
-
Injuries
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF)
Out indefinitely Illness - 17 / 07 / 21Sam Merrill (PG)
Ques Tues Ankle - 17 / 07 / 21Sam Merrill (PG)
Ques Sun Ankle - 09 / 06 / 21Jordan Nwora (PF)
Ques Fri Thigh - 07 / 06 / 21Donte DiVincenzo (SG)
out for season Foot - 28 / 05 / 21Jeff Teague (PG)
Ques Thurs Knee - 21 / 05 / 21Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF)
Mid June Knee - 17 / 05 / 21Khris Middleton (SF)
Ques Sat Ankle - 16 / 05 / 21P.J. Tucker (SF)
Prob Fri Neck - 06 / 05 / 21Khris Middleton (SF)
Prob Fri Knee - 05 / 05 / 21Torrey Craig (SF)
Prob Sun Knee - 09 / 07 / 21Dario Saric (SF)
Out indefinitely Knee - 06 / 07 / 21Cameron Johnson (PF)
Ques Tues Illness - 30 / 06 / 21Cameron Payne (PG)
Prob Sat Ankle - 25 / 06 / 21Cameron Payne (PG)
day-to-day Ankle - 24 / 06 / 21Ty-Shon Alexander (PG)
Ques Wed Illness - 03 / 06 / 21Jae Crowder (SF)
Out Sun Rest - 16 / 05 / 21Deandre Ayton (C)
Prob Sun Knee - 13 / 05 / 21Cameron Johnson (PF)
Prob Sun Wrist - 06 / 05 / 21Cameron Johnson (PF)
Prob Sun Wrist - 02 / 05 / 21Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF) Out indefinitely Illness - 17 / 07 / 21 2-0 1-1 + - Antetokounmpo is going through the league's health and safety protocols, and he will miss an undetermined length of time.
Sam Merrill (PG) Ques Tues Ankle - 17 / 07 / 21 2-0 1-1 + - Merrill has a sprained right ankle and is questionable for Game 6 of the NBA Final.
Sam Merrill (PG) Ques Sun Ankle - 09 / 06 / 21 10-7 7-8-2 + - Merrill is dealing with a right ankle sprain, and it is unknown if he will be in the lineup for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference second round versus the Nets.
Jordan Nwora (PF) Ques Fri Thigh - 07 / 06 / 21 10-8 7-9-2 + - Nwora is bothered by a left thigh contusion, and it is unclear if he will partake in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals versus the Hawks.
Donte DiVincenzo (SG) out for season Foot - 28 / 05 / 21 12-8 8-10-2 + - DiVincenzo suffered a tendon injury in his left foot and will miss the remainder of the season.
Jeff Teague (PG) Ques Thurs Knee - 21 / 05 / 21 13-10 10-11-2 + - Teague is nursing a sore left knee, and it is unknown if he will dress for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF) Mid June Knee - 17 / 05 / 21 14-10 10-12-2 + - Antetokounmpo is battling right patella tendon soreness, and it is anticipated that he will be out until the middle of June.
Khris Middleton (SF) Ques Sat Ankle - 16 / 05 / 21 14-10 10-12-2 + - Middleton is dealing with left ankle soreness, and it is unclear if he will take the court against the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
P.J. Tucker (SF) Prob Fri Neck - 06 / 05 / 21 14-15 14-13-2 + - Tucker exited the previous contest with a neck and jaw injury, but it is projected that he will dress for Friday's clash with the Rockets.
Khris Middleton (SF) Prob Fri Knee - 05 / 05 / 21 15-15 14-14-2 + - Middleton missed the last game with right knee soreness, but it is likely that he will take on the Rockets on Friday.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Torrey Craig (SF) Prob Sun Knee - 09 / 07 / 21 2-3 3-1-1 + - Craig is bothered by a right knee contusion, but it is anticipated that he will take the court in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Bucks.
Dario Saric (SF) Out indefinitely Knee - 06 / 07 / 21 3-3 4-1-1 + - Saric has torn his right ACL and he will miss an extended period.
Cameron Johnson (PF) Ques Tues Illness - 30 / 06 / 21 3-4 5-1-1 + - Johnson is ailing from an illness, and it is unclear if he will take on the Bucks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Cameron Payne (PG) Prob Sat Ankle - 25 / 06 / 21 4-6 5-4-1 + - Payne is nursing a left ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will be available for Game 4 of the Western Conference final versus the Clippers.
Cameron Payne (PG) day-to-day Ankle - 24 / 06 / 21 4-6 5-4-1 + - Payne was lifted from Thursday's game with a left ankle injury, and he will not return.
Ty-Shon Alexander (PG) Ques Wed Illness - 03 / 06 / 21 11-6 9-7-1 + - Alexander is ailing from an illness, and it is uncertain if he will be active for Game 2 of the Western Conference second round against the Nuggets.
Jae Crowder (SF) Out Sun Rest - 16 / 05 / 21 14-8 11-10-2 + - Crowder will not suit up for Sunday's tilt against the Spurs, as he will be given a day of rest.
Deandre Ayton (C) Prob Sun Knee - 13 / 05 / 21 14-10 12-11-2 + - Ayton is dealing with left knee soreness, but it is anticipated that he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Lakers.
Cameron Johnson (PF) Prob Sun Wrist - 06 / 05 / 21 15-12 15-11-2 + - Johnson has been out of commission due to a right wrist sprain, but he is expected to take on the Lakers in the Western Conference first round.
Cameron Johnson (PF) Prob Sun Wrist - 02 / 05 / 21 17-13 18-11-2 + - Johnson is tending to a sprained right wrist, but he is likely to take the court Sunday versus the Thunder.