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Bucks vs Suns Game 1 Prop Bets: 2021 NBA Finals Game 1 Prop Betting Picks

Last Updated: Jul 6, 2021

Bucks vs Suns Game 1 Prop Bets: 2021 NBA Finals Game 1 Prop Betting Picks

After a crazy regular season that saw teams battle COVID-19 and a condensed schedule, we’ve reached the 2021 NBA Finals. One team many people expected to be here is the Milwaukee Bucks. Another is an unlikely team out of the Western Conference in the Phoenix Suns, who have been led by key offseason acquisition Chris Paul. Let’s dive into Game 1 and discuss some wagers to consider.

Bucks vs. Suns Game 1 Player Prop Bets

Chris Paul Over 8.5 Assists: -150 at BetMGM

This series will feature a fun point guard battle between Paul and Jrue Holiday. Not only are they both excellent offensive players, but they are also both great defenders. While Paul will have his work cut out for him, this is still an attractive wager. He has the ball in his hands a ton and has averaged more than 36 minutes over his last eight games, averaging 9.5 assists per game during that span. Expect him to play a lot (and pass a lot) in this game, as well.

Chris Paul Under 2.5 Turnovers: -145 at BetMGM

Considering how often he has the ball in his hands, Paul has been elite at limiting turnovers. He’s averaged only 2.4 turnovers per game for his career, including 2.3 or less in three of the last four seasons. During the Suns’ playoff run, he’s recorded two or fewer turnovers in 12 of the 14 games that he’s played. Even with how proficient Holiday is defensively, I think Paul will do a good job of limiting his turnovers again.

Devin Booker Over 0.5 Steals + Blocks: -200 at BetMGM

Booker has been playing a ton in the playoffs, averaging 40 minutes per game. The additional playing time has resulted in an uptick in his defensive stats, as he’s tallied at least one steal or block in 11 of his last 13 games. With multiple combined steals and blocks in each of his last three games, look for Booker to keep making an impact on the defensive end and notch at least one tonight.

Bobby Portis Jr. Under 16.5 Points: -113 at BetRivers

There was hope that Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) would be able to return for Game 1, but the Bucks have officially listed him as doubtful, which likely means a third straight start for Portis. While his first start netted 22 points, he managed only 12 points in his second start. Phoenix is one of the best defensive teams in the league, and Portis is looking at some tough matchups against either Jae Crowder or Deandre Ayton, making the under more appealing here.

Chris Paul Phoenix Suns PG

Chris Paul is set to lead the Phoenix Suns’ offense in his first career NBA Finals game. (Image: USA TODAY)


NBA Finals Game 1 Prop Bets

Second Half Most Points Scored: -135 at BetMGM

We could be looking at some rust here for the Suns, who haven’t played since Wednesday. After a long break between the second and third rounds, they scored just 21 points in the first quarter of Game 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference Finals. And with Giannis unlikely to play for the Bucks, Milwaukee might have trouble scoring out of the gate as they battle the toughest defensive team they’ve faced this postseason, resulting in a higher-scoring second half for both sides.

Winning Margin: Suns By 1-5 Points: +400 at BetMGM

At least the Bucks showed that they could win without Giannis during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks. What they did in Game 6 on the road was particularly impressive, pulling out a decisive victory despite Trae Young returning for Atlanta. I think the Suns win this game, so the question is, do you roll with them to win by 1-5 points or by 6-10? Since the odds for 6-10 are +333, I’ll take 1-5 at better odds.


Read our full 2021 NBA Finals Game 1 analysis:

Bucks vs Suns Prop Bet Picks To Keep An Eye On

If you want to take a chance on some long-shot wagers, here are a couple to consider.

  • Suns Win By 11-15: +525 at BetMGM
  • Bucks Win By 6-10: +625 at BetMGM

Thanks for reading our Bucks vs Suns Game 1 Prop Bets: 2021 NBA Finals Game 1 Prop Betting Picks! Be sure to check out more of our 2021 NBA Finals bet picks and coverage.

Author

Mike Barner

Mike started covering fantasy sports in 2007. In addition to The Game Day, Mike has written for RotoWire, Sportsline, Sports Illustrated, DK Live and RealTime Fantasy Sports. In 2018, he was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. .

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