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The Milwaukee Bucks will look to even the NBA Finals at 1-1 when they meet the Phoenix Suns in Game 2 Thursday night. The Suns dominated the Bucks in the second half with Chris Paul being particularly lethal against Milwaukee’s defense. Giannis Antetokounmpo was back for the Bucks in Game 1 and looked solid, but will need to have a monster effort to help level the series before going back to Milwaukee.
Below is a look at a number of predictions ahead of Thursday night’s game for the Free $5K DraftKings Pools - Playoff Edition (MIL-PHO).
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Bucks vs. Suns Game 2 pool picks
Which team will cover the spread? Bucks +5.5 or Suns -5.5
Game 1s in series tend to be close as the teams figure each other out, but the Suns absolutely crushed Milwaukee’s defensive coverages. Paul and Devin Booker were great from the midrange, shooting a combined 20-40 in the game. Milwaukee has to adjust this coverage to be successful. Expect some changes for the Bucks and the Suns point guard to cool off a bit, leading to a close game and Milwaukee covering the spread.
How many total points will be scored? Over/Under 220.5
Game 1 was a high-scoring affair and there’s no reason to think Game 2 will be much different. The Bucks struggled for much of the third quarter before making a run early in the fourth quarter so the over hit. Phoenix won’t shoot the ball as well, but the Bucks will improve from the field. Take the over again.
Which team will reach 15 points first?
Milwaukee actually won this battle in Game 1 on Khris Middleton’s three-pointer. Expect the teams to remain close as things start out, but the home team is more likely to reach the milestone first here.
Which team will make more 3-pointers?
Milwaukee made five more triples than Phoenix in Game 1, but the volume was similar for both teams. Expect the Bucks to regress slightly while the Suns improve their shooting percentage from deep, but that likely won’t make up for five baskets over the course of a game. Take the Bucks to win this category.
Will both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Deandre Ayton record a double-double?
Antetokounmpo had 20 points and 17 rebounds in Game 1. Ayton had 22 points and 19 rebounds. Both are going to get touches and will be expected to contribute heavily for their respective teams. Antetokounmpo could also reach double-digit assists but is more likely to secure this bet via points and boards. Both players should record double-doubles in Game 2.
Giannis Antetokounmpo points, rebounds and assists? Over/under 42.5
The Greek Freak combined for 41 points, rebounds and assists in Game 1 but was just back from a hyperextended knee. Expect him to add more minutes as he continues to get his rhythm back and become even more productive. Take the over in what is a high-stakes game for Milwaukee and Antetokounmpo.
Chris Paul points, rebounds and assists? Over/under 35.5
Paul was the star of Game 1, combining for 45 points, rebounds and assists. While he’s likely to keep adding assists to the stat sheet, expecting the point guard to go for 30+ points again is tough. He’s been on a hot streak of late, but the Bucks will adjust. Take the under here.
Which team will win the 4th quarter?
The Bucks won this frame in Game 1 despite eventually losing by 13 points. The two teams are expected to keep things close again. This isn’t a must-win game for Milwaukee, but it’s close to being one. Expect the Bucks to win the final quarter here.
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