NBA: Phoenix Suns vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview, Odds, H2H, Predictions

The NBA blockbuster this Sunday is in Milwaukee, where the Bucks meet the Phoenix Suns, their rivals from the NBA Finals two years ago. Kevin Durant won’t be eligible to play, but the hype around this matchup is enormous anyway. Both teams are on the rise, looking better and better as time passes, and they want to win this clash. This event isn’t only about the win, but the reputation and morale boost as well. 

Preview

Phoenix Suns (32-28, +170) played against the OKC Thunder in the most recent matchup and won 124-115, at their Footprint Center. The Suns looked confident and routine, not losing too much energy. It was the third triumph for Monty Williams and the crew in the previous four, and the Suns’ form is on the rise.

Devin Booker had 25 points, eight assists and six boards, though, hitting just one of seven three-point shots. We need to add that such poor downtown percentages are happening to Booker quite often this year. Chris Paul had 16 buckets and six assists, while Josh Okogie added 15 and seven boards. 

Ayton delivered his double-double, 14 points and 11 boards, recording two blocks as well, while Cameron Payne too had 14 points. The Suns recorded 54 boards and were more or less dominant on the glass, especially when they created the lead, not allowing the rivals to have second-chance points often.

Milwaukee Bucks (42-17, -200) beat the Miami Heat, but potentially at a high cost. The final result was 128-99, and the Bucks ripped apart one of their biggest rivals in the East and one of the contenders for the crown. Giannis had to exit early due to his knee injury and didn’t return until the end. 

Such a development didn’t disturb the hosts in this game, but it could potentially ruin their season. There isn’t any precise info about Giannis‘ condition, but according to the unofficial sources, the injury shouldn’t be problematic. 

This was the 13th consecutive victory for the Bucks,, now the hottest team in the entire league. The way they beat the Heat was impressive, not allowing one of the best teams in the conference to have the slightest chance of avoiding humiliation. Jrue Holiday had a team-high with 24 points, seven assists, and five boards, while Bobby Portis scored 18 off the bench and had 11 boards. Grayson Allen delivered 16, and Brook Lopez scored 17 with seven rebounds.

Head to Head Games

This is the first meeting of the year. Two seasons ago, these units met in the finals when Milwaukee won in six games, despite losing the opening two events. During the previous campaign, each team used its home court edge, the Bucks 132-122 and the Suns 131-107.

Prediction

Right now, it all comes down to whether Giannis will play or not. Our thoughts are like this: if he plays, the Bucks will surely win, and that would be our top pick of the day. If he doesn’t, we are to move away from this event. It could go both ways in that situation because the Bucks are in excellent shape, and we saw that against the Heat. 

Pick: Milwaukee wins (if Giannis plays) 

Here is another preview:

LA Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks