Bucks vs. Suns: The best player prop picks for Game 1 of the NBA Finals

Will he or won’t he? That’s the big question heading into Game 1 of the 2021 NBA Finals as fans eagerly await confirmation on whether Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will suit up.

The two-time MVP has been sidelined since hyperextending his left knee in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals on June 29, and Milwaukee is approaching his recovery with an overabundance of caution. Antetokounmpo was excused from media availability on Monday due to his "uncertain status," and will be a game-time decision on Tuesday.

If he plays, the underdog Bucks will have a superb chance of stealing a game on the road. Prior to his injury, "The Greek Freak" was averaging 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in the playoffs, and had recorded 13 double-doubles in the 15 games in which he had played. The only times he came up short were in Game 2 against the Hawks, when he played under 30 minutes in a blowout win, and Game 4, when he exited early due to injury.

Few teams have an answer for Antetokounmpo, and the Phoenix Suns could be in a world of trouble if he’s available at tip-off.

We’ve examined Tuesday night’s matchup closely and have selected the three best players props to wager on.

Khris Middleton Over/Under 25.5 points

Khris Middleton was already a two-time All-Star before the playoffs began, but he became a household name during the Eastern Conference Finals. With Antetokounmpo unable to answer the bell, Middleton pumped in 26 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists in Milwaukee’s resounding Game 5 win. He then powered the Bucks to an Eastern Conference title two days later with a stellar 32-point, seven-assist performance in Game 6. The ninth year pro shot 48% from the floor and 38% from deep over the course of the two games to help Milwaukee overcome the absence of its all-world star.

Expect another big outing from Middleton on Tuesday, especially if Antetokounmpo is unavailable or placed on a minutes restriction. “Khash Money” has played 10 games without Giannis during the regular season and playoffs combined, and has scored 26 points or more in five of them. He’s also surpassed the 26-point threshold six times since the playoffs began, and should have plenty of opportunities to add to that total in Game 1.

It’s doubtful the Bucks can win the championship without Antetokounmpo, but Middleton can certainly pad his stats while his celebrated teammate watches from the bench.

Pick: Over 25.5 points (-117)

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Chris Paul Over/Under 1.5 3-point field goals made

It took Chris Paul 16 years, 1,090 games, and countless injuries to reach his first NBA Finals. If you think he’s going to lay an egg on basketball’s biggest stage, you’re out of your mind.

Phoenix’s "Point God" reminded fans just how lethal he can be from beyond the arc in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals when he nailed seven of his eight 3-point attempts. The number of long distance heaves was surprising, but his accuracy was not. Paul is hitting 41% of his 3-point attempts in the 2021 playoffs, after hitting close to 40% of his treys during the regular season.

Take the Over on Tuesday and watch in wonder as Paul wills the Suns to victory.

Pick: Over 1.5 3-point field goals made (-143)

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Mikal Bridges Over/Under 11.5 points

We’ll be the first to admit that Mikal Bridges has enjoyed a phenomenal playoff debut. The 24-year-old wing was instrumental in Phoenix’s upset over the Los Angeles Lakers, and averaged 16.0 points per game in the Suns’ sweep of the Denver Nuggets.

However, his age and inexperience finally began to show against the Los Angeles Clippers. After a solid outing in Game 1, Bridges was held to six points or less in three of his next five outings, and saw his playing time fluctuate wildly for the remainder of the series.

Bridges’ defense and 3-point shooting still make him a valuable commodity, but it’s unlikely he’ll be a focal part of the offense in the NBA Finals. Hit the Under in Game 1.

Pick: Under 11.5 points (-134)