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The Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks kick off the NBA Finals Tuesday with Game 1 in Phoenix. The Suns are favorites to win the series at -185 while the Bucks are underdogs at +150 according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status could change these odds substantially. The star is officially “day-to-day” with a knee injury.
The Suns will look to keep their strong home record in the playoffs going in the opener. Here are the best player props for the home team in Game 1.
Deandre Ayton to record a double-double (-200)
Ayton has emerged as a force in the post during the playoffs, averaging 16.2 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. He has recorded a double-double in all but five of Phoenix’s 16 playoff games. The value isn’t great, but Ayton is a strong bet to hit the milestone.
Deandre Ayton over 11.5 rebounds (+100)
The same thinking as the first prop bet applies here. Ayton is excellent on the boards and if Antetokounmpo doesn’t play, he’ll have a big advantage over any of Milwaukee’s post players. At +100, this prop has strong value for prospective bettors.
Chris Paul over 8.5 assists (-140)
Paul has been celebrated during this playoff run for leading a young, talented core to the Finals. He has bounced around the league the past few seasons and is appearing in his first career Finals from the most unlikely spot with Phoenix. Paul is averaging 8.7 assists per game in the playoffs. He had eight in each of his last two games despite taking on a larger scoring role. The point guard will always find a way to fill up the stat sheet in this category.
Mikal Bridges over 1.5 3-pointers (-130)
Bridges has not been a good three-point shooter this postseason, hitting just 35.1 percent of his attempts. However, the Bucks are going to try to take the ball out of Paul, Devin Booker and Ayton’s hands. This means Bridges is going to get looks and he has to start knocking them down. The small forward shot 42.5 percent from deep in the regular season. He’s going to get opportunities and just needs to find his touch again.
Devin Booker under 28.5 points (-120)
Booker is averaging 27.0 points per game in the postseason and is more than capable of going off for a big score. He scored 25.5 points per game against the Los Angeles Clippers despite going for 40 in the first game of the series. Take that outing away and he put up 22.6 points per game. He’s struggled to shoot recently and the Bucks are likely to take away his chances to kill them. The under is the play for this prop.
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