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The Milwaukee Bucks return home for a pivotal Game 3 in the 2021 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns. The Bucks are hoping to avoid the dreaded 3-0 hole while the Suns attempt to take one step closer towards the franchise’s first title.
Below is a look at a number of predictions ahead of Sunday night’s game for the Free $5K DraftKings Pools - Playoff Edition (PHO-MIL).
Bucks vs. Suns Game 3 pool picks
Which team will cover the spread? Bucks -4.5 or Suns +4.5
The Bucks are the more desperate team and should ride their key players out for much of this game. Milwaukee has done well at home, winning seven out of eight playoff games there. Giannis Antetokounmpo looks fully healthy and the team’s shooting should come around. Take the Bucks to cover the spread.
How many total points will be scored? Over/Under 222.5
Both games went over this line, although Game 1 was just barely over. Game 2 had some late offense to push the score over the line despite the under looking solid for much of the contest. Until both teams show they can consistently get defensive stops, keep taking the over.
Which team will score 15 points first?
The Bucks are fighting for their playoff lives and should come out hot. The Suns are likely to get Deandre Ayton some early touches to get his confidence up, but Milwaukee is the pick here. Both teams have kept it close early for Games 1 and 2, but the Bucks should get to 15 points first in Game 3.
Which team will make more 3-pointers?
The Suns hit 20 three-pointers in Game 2 to create a +33 advantage in that category, leading to the win despite the Bucks holding the edge in several other places. The Bucks should get better shooting the ball, but they might lean away from the triple. Take the Suns to hit more threes, but barely.
Will both Chris Paul and Jrue Holiday have over 7.5 assists?
Both guards are distributing the ball well. Paul has been on a hot streak with scoring, but he’s found a way to dish out 8.5 assists per game. Holiday should stay aggressive with shots, but might take a backseat and distribute more. Either way, both players should hit at least eight assists.
Devin Booker points, rebounds and assists? Over/Under 38.5
Booker exploded in Game 2 for 31 points and is capable of putting up big numbers again in Game 3. He’s been dishing the ball well too, averaging 6.0 assists per game. Take the over here as the Phoenix guard continues to announce himself as the NBA’s next big superstar.
Giannis Antetokounmpo points, rebounds and assists? Over/Under 50.5
The Greek Freak dropped 42 points while occasionally favoring his injured knee in Game 2, so there’s no reason to think he’s going to not put up numbers. However, 50.5 is a massive number and Antetokounmpo isn’t putting up big assist numbers. That might change as Milwaukee hits more shots, but the under is the safer play here.
Which team will win the 4th quarter?
The teams tied in the fourth quarter of Game 2 and the Bucks took the fourth quarter of Game 1. It’s been the other quarters that have done Milwaukee in. Expect the Bucks to take the fourth quarter in Game 3 and cut their Finals deficit in half in the process.
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