The NBA Finals are here and we should have a great series on our hands. Suns star Chris Paul has reached his first career Finals, while the Suns are making their first appearance since 1995 and the Charles Barkley era. Phoenix’s roster also boasts Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, both potential X-Factors in the series. Meanwhile, the Bucks are still dealing with Giannis’s injury, but he should be ready for Tuesday’s Game 1. Khris Middleton could prove to be problematic for the Suns if he can get going, but Phoenix’s lockdown defense could shut him down.
KEYS TO VICTORY
BUCKS: DOMINATE THE PAINT
The Bucks are one of the league’s best paint teams, but frequently shy away from the box in the hopes of hitting threes. Recall Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals when the Bucks scored 66 points in the paint. Brook Lopez was dominant in that game, scoring 33 point and grabbing 7 rebounds and 4 blocks. And there’s Giannis, if at 100%, is the best paint scorer in the league. On the other hand, the Suns have Deandre Ayton, an elite post player and defender. However, if Lopez can out-score and out-rebound Ayton, the Bucks could take home a title.
SUNS: GET BOOKER GOING EARLY
Devin Booker is a magnificent player, but he can have some erratic shooting nights. Booker can go 20-25 one night and go 5-25 the next. But if Booker can shoot well early in a game, the Suns will have an advantage. If Booker shoots poorly, the Suns will have to turn to other players to shoot the deep ball.
GAME PREDICTIONS
Game 1: 123-114, Suns
Game 2: 115-98, Suns
Game 3: 112-100, Bucks
Game 4: 126-122, Bucks
Game 5: 121-104, Suns
Game 6: 131-120, Suns
Finals MVP: Chris Paul
Champs: Suns 4-2
