After a shortened NBA season with plenty of ups and downs, the 2021 NBA Finals are finally here. While it’s not a massive surprise to see the Milwaukee Bucks representing the Eastern Conference, those who correctly predicted the Phoenix Suns to win the Western Conference before the season should go buy a lottery ticket.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals is set to tip off on Tuesday, July 6th at 9 p.m. EST on ABC. While the late start time may be inconvenient for viewers on the East Coast, this is shaping up to be a series worth tuning in for. With two organizations that play exemplary team basketball, there isn’t a better matchup for us to bet on some player props or string together some nice parlay picks.
All NBA Finals Game 1 Parlay Bet Picks are courtesy of BetMGM. BetMGM offers a Risk-Free Bet for up to $600 for new players. with our hands-on review.
Bucks vs Suns Game 1 Parlay Bet Picks & Predictions
The Bucks and Suns met twice during the regular season, with Phoenix winning both games by one point. Accordingly, this series should be full of close, high-scoring games.
Total Parlay Odds: +375
Wager: $50 (win would pay $225)
Double Result - Suns/Suns
Having nearly a full week off and playing at home, the Suns have a massive advantage in Game 1 of this series, and that doesn’t even consider the health of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is officially considered doubtful for the series opener. The Bucks continue to give up open long-range shots, and the Suns have been hitting their shots with accuracy. It may take a quarter or two for Milwaukee to wake up and get into this game, which is why Phoenix should take the first half at home. They are also the better team, which should result in them scraping out another win.
UPDATE 1:40 p.m. EST: Antetokounmpo’s status has since been upgraded to questionable ahead of Game 1.
Game Total - Over 218.5
Neither team had problems scoring when they squared off during the regular season, with their two games combining for 255 and 249 total points. These are also two of the best offenses in the NBA, as Milwaukee ranked first (120.1) and Phoenix ranked seventh (115.3) in points per game during the regular season. Even without Giannis, the Bucks still have enough offensive firepower to hang with the Suns.
Team Points - Each Over 106.5
Again, both of these teams can score, and their regular-season matchups were both exceptionally high scoring. The Bucks have hit this over in six of their last seven games, while the Suns are coming off a 130-point explosion in their most recent game against the Los Angeles Clippers. This should also be a competitive game throughout, which should lead to the game total hitting the over and both teams reaching this mark.
NBA Finals Game 1 Parlay Player Prop Picks
As stated previously, both organizations play great team basketball. This means role players are more vital to each team’s success, which makes the player prop bets far more intriguing. While the injury to Antetokounmpo does increase the risk involved on both sides, the odds typically increase with it.
Total Parlay Odds: +195
Wager: $50 (win would pay $147.50)
Player Rebounds - Deandre Ayton 11+
Deandre Ayton has been living up to his draft stock during this postseason run, averaging 16.2 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. The Bucks are vulnerable on the interior, especially if Giannis is out or limited. This was visible last series with Clint Capela, though his minutes had to be limited when they were down. Ayton is versatile and athletic enough to play big minutes no matter what, and it should lead to high rebound totals all series long.
Player Assists - Jrue Holiday 8+
Jrue Holiday has been a bit more aggressive during the postseason, seeing his usage rate rise. While he should look to score more often than he does, his increased involvement has led to high assist totals. Holiday has tallied eight or more assists in eight of his last 10 games, including four straight. He also notched eight assists in his lone matchup with Phoenix during the regular season.
Player Points + Assists - Chris Paul 25+
In his 16th NBA season, Chris Paul has finally made it to his first NBA Finals, and he will not squander this moment. The Suns know their backcourt must outperform the Bucks’ to win this game. Paul has at least 25 combined points and assists in eight straight games, and also did so in both games against Milwaukee during the regular season.
With Giannis doubtful for Game 1 of the 2021 NBA Finals, look for Jrue Holiday to step up for the Milwaukee Bucks. (Image: USA Today)
Bucks vs. Suns Game 1 Parlay Longshot
What’s an NBA Playoffs parlay article without a longshot parlay? Something that looks good on paper and would look even better to cash out, although the level of risk is clearly really high. Still, it’s worth sprinkling a little on this parlay, since the screenshots you send your friends will be more than worth it!
Total Parlay Odds: +800 at BetMGM
Wager: $10 (win would pay $90)
Result - Bucks Win
Starting this longshot parlay out is a Milwaukee win. While the Bucks are underdogs, the Suns may come out flat due to their long break or if they underestimate Milwaukee without Giannis. If a couple breaks go their way, the Bucks are scrappy enough to take the series opener.
Player Assists - Jrue Holiday 10+
If the Bucks win, it will be because their backcourt led the way. As stated above, Holiday has been putting up high assist totals in the playoffs, including 10.0 per game over his last six contests. Holiday will have the ball in his hands a lot if Giannis sits again, which should result in another high dimes total, especially if Khris Middleton is hitting his shots.
Player Points - Khris Middleton 30+
Middleton has taken over multiple games in this postseason, topping 30 points in four of his last 11 games. While his shot is a bit unpredictable, he puts up points in a hurry when he’s hot, and he’ll likely see more shot attempts as well if Giannis sits. If the Bucks do end up winning Game 1, Middleton’s name will be in the headlines the following day.
