While Game 2 of the NBA Finals was more competitive than the first, the contest saw the same result, as the Phoenix Suns defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 118-108. The Suns now travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks up 2-0, with a road win Sunday giving them a virtually insurmountable lead. The game tip-off is at 8 p.m. ET, which is an hour earlier than the games in Phoenix. As with all games this series, it will air on ABC.
With desperation setting in for the Bucks, it should be an exciting Game 3. Let’s take a look at a few interesting parlays and picks to make for this matchup.
Suns vs Bucks Game 3 Parlay Bet Picks & Predictions
Total Parlay Odds: +260
Wager: $50 (win would pay $180)
Game Result - Bucks Win
After losing two on the road, the Bucks return home and are the favored team. In accordance with the betting odds, Milwaukee should be able to win in front of their energetic crowd, as has been the case all NBA Playoffs. Not only are they 7-1 straight up in home games this postseason, they have won by an average 13.4 points. The Bucks have been a different team at home all season long, and that team should be expected to show up.
Game Total - Over 221.5
While the Bucks should play much better at home, this is mostly due to them hitting shots at a much higher rate. They will still look completely perplexed by the most simple pick-and-roll, as has been the case through two games this series. In that case, the Suns should continue scoring as well, but the Bucks will use the crowd’s energy to pick them up and prevent long scoring runs by Phoenix.
Team Points - Each Over 107.5
Again, both team should score a lot, as has been the case in their matchups this season. All four games have gone over their point total. The Bucks didn’t hit this total in Game 1, but it’s due to them missing easy shots, shooting 56.3% from the free throw line and Giannis Antetokounmpo attempting just 11 shots. This should not be the case at home.
NBA Finals Game 3 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.
Total Parlay Odds: +310
Wager: $50 (win would pay $205)
Player Rebounds - Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 12.5
If the Bucks are to win, then the Suns must trail in points. If Phoenix is losing, it means they are not getting easy buckets at the rim the entire night. The Suns trailing means more missed jump shots and more attainable rebounds for Antetokounmpo.
Player Points + Rebounds - Giannis Antetokounmpo 45+
Assuming Antetokounmpo hauls in his 13+ rebounds, the two-time MVP will only need at least 32 points for this leg to hit. The Suns appear content to let Giannis get into the paint and score, as they do not believe Milwaukee’s inconsistent guards can beat them. It should result in him getting similar looks to the ones he saw in Game 2, when he scored 42 points. His knee is also looking plenty healthy.
Double-Double - Deandre Ayton
While the Bucks are expected to win, it’s impossible for them to fully stop Deandre Ayton. We just saw Ayton have a pretty poor offensive game, yet he still finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds. There isn’t anyone to stop him consistently on the boards, and Chris Paul should set him up for good looks out of the pick-and-roll.
Player Points - Jrue Holiday 18+
Jrue Holiday finally asserted himself a bit more in Game 2. Unfortunately, he couldn’t hit his shots, going just 7-21 from the field. However, we have seen him play much better at home compared to the road. Holiday has scored 21+ points in each of the last four home games. During this same span, he achieved this feat just once on the road. Part of this is due to his three-ball falling. He has hit three or more shots from three-point range in each of his last three home games. Holiday should be able to take a bit of pressure off of Antetokounmpo in this game.
Suns vs Bucks Game 3 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: +600
Wager: $10 (win would pay $70)
Result - Suns Win
It’s always nice to start a longshot parlay off with the 2-0 team winning. While the Suns are the underdog in the odds, it doesn’t feel like they should be disrespected this much. They had the best road winning percentage in the NBA this season at 68.2%, and this rose to 76.9% when they were a road underdog. Phoenix is not going to roll over and let Milwaukee win this.
Game Total - Over 221.5
As stated above with this same pick, the Suns are going to score. The Bucks are favored because they should be able to hit more of their open looks in this game. However, Paul will continue to confuse the defense and create easy looks for his teammates. The pattern of the over hitting should continue for these teams.
Player Assists - Chris Paul Over 7.5
Speaking of Paul creating open looks for his teammates, this should lead to him racking up assists. The veteran point guard has eight or more assists in four straight games and nine of his last 11 appearances. Paul is the straw that stirs the drink for the Suns — if they are scoring points, he is involved.
Player Points - Chris Paul Over 21.5
Not only should Paul be involved by getting assists, he should score as well. He has 23 or more points in five of the last six wins. While Devin Booker may be more flashy in the ways that he scores, this team rides with how well Paul is playing.
