Suns vs. Bucks: The best player prop bets for Game 6 of the NBA Finals

Much has been made of Jrue Holiday’s exceptional defense during the NBA Finals, but the All-Star guard showed he could also ball out on offense in Game 5.

Coming off a dreadful 4-for-20 performance, Holiday erupted for 27 points, including 14 in the second quarter alone, when he helped orchestrate a massive comeback. "Kung Fu Jrue" nailed three 3-pointers during that frame and put the Bucks on top after Milwaukee was outscored by 16 points in the first period.

Fittingly, Holiday saved his best for last, when he stripped Devin Booker of the ball with 18 seconds remaining in the game and set up Giannis Antetokounmpo for an explosive alley-oop to seal the win.

The Bucks will need another big game from Holiday on Tuesday in order to capture Milwaukee’s first NBA championship in 50 years.

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

Deandre Ayton Over/Under 30.5 points, rebounds, and assists

The Suns wouldn’t be in the NBA Finals were it not for the herculean efforts of Deandre Ayton. The Bahamian big man has averaged 16.0 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in the postseason, and has consistently punished teams in the paint with his exceptional mobility and athleticism.

And yet, despite his many contributions, it’s hard not to notice how his productivity has slipped since the NBA Finals began. Ayton has scored 10 points or less twice in the past four games and has frequently found himself on the bench due to foul trouble. Much of the credit belongs to Giannis for his increased aggressiveness, but Ayton has also occasionally drifted after looking so assertive in the first three rounds.

Ayton has averaged 28.6 combined points, rebounds, and assists over the Suns’ last three losses and seems to be trending in the wrong direction just as Phoenix needs him most. Take the Under.

Pick: Under 30.5 points, rebounds, and assists (-113)

Chris Paul Over/Under 35.5 points, rebounds, and assists

Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer frequently draws criticism for his failure to adapt, but his decision to drop Milwaukee’s switch-everything defense in favoring of siccing Holiday on Chris Paul has paid huge dividends. The three-time All-Defensive Team member has been disrupting "CP3" by picking him up 94 feet away from the hoop and using his size and physicality to slow him down.

The eye-test alone tells you the strategy is working, but the stats bear it out too. Paul has turned the ball over 16 times in the last four games and has seen his numbers drop steadily in every game, from 32 points in Game 1 to just 10 points in Game 4.

There’s no question Paul will do everything humanly possible to will the Suns to victory on Tuesday, but it may not be enough with Holiday hounding him and Milwaukee’s help defenders making his life a living hell.

Pick: Under 35.5 points, rebounds, and assists (-120)

Top point scorer of the game

Devin Booker entered the 2021 NBA Playoffs without a single postseason point on his otherwise glittering resume. Now, nine weeks later, he holds the league record for most points scored in a playoff debut. That’s what happens when you drop 30 points or more 10 times.

When opposing teams have tried to chase him off the 3-point line he’s made them pay by slicing into the lane. When they’ve packed in the paint he’s picked them apart on the perimeter. Booker has looked comfortable launching shots from anywhere on the court and, more often than not, they’ve found the bottom of the basket.

Booker has averaged 41 points on 56% shooting from the field over his past two games, and you can bet your bottom dollar he’s going to keep his foot on the gas in Game 6. Grab some popcorn and enjoy the show.

Pick: Devin Booker (+185)