In tonight’s Game 4 matchup of the 2021 NBA Finals, the Milwaukee Bucks are aiming to even the series on their home court versus the Phoenix Suns. The game begins at 9:00 p.m. ET. Referencing BetUS, the best moneyline for the Bucks is set at +160, whereas the line is set at -180 for the Suns. Additionally, the total is set at 220.5. Moreover, star players sustaining injuries and missing games has been a major theme for multiple teams throughout this 2020-21 NBA season. Uncertainties, like injuries and COVID-19 cases, have greatly affected betting odds all across the board. Nonetheless, it’s fun to gamble on prop bets.
Anyways, Milwaukee’s two-time MVP winner and points leader, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is averaging 12.9 rebounds and 29.2 points per game in this post-season. In the Bucks’ 120-100 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 3, Giannis finished his performance with 41 points, 6 assists, and 13 rebounds, over the course of 38 minutes of gameplay. On the flip side, Suns’ point guard Chris Paul ended the regular season, averaging 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Both players are expected to dominate the stat sheet and meet expectations in Game 4.
Here are out top 5 NBA betting tips for tonight’s game.
Milwaukee Bucks – Over 20.5 Points in Each Quarter (-250)
The Milwaukee Bucks scored 105 points in Game 1, 108 points in Game 2, and 120 points in Game 3. They scored as many as 29 points in the fourth quarter of Game 1. According to TeamRankings, Milwaukee averaged 30.1 points in the first quarter in the regular season, ranking third overall in the NBA. In Game 2, the Bucks scored 33 points in the third quarter and 30 points in the fourth quarter. It should go without saying that this team was more than capable of outscoring their opponents throughout the season. Their home record is 34-11, and the “Fear the Deer” campaign is still alive.
Having said this, in the second quarter of Game 2 of the NBA Finals, the Bucks scored only 16 points. So far, this was the only quarter in the series Milwaukee failed to score at least 20 points against the Suns. When it comes to a special, detail-oriented prop bet, it’s vital for bettors to analyze all the little details. Moreover, it’s also important to note that the Bucks are 43-49 at the spread. They are 56-26 as selected favorites this season, and the team is 3-7 as underdogs. The point total has gone over in four of Milwaukee’s previous six games. Despite that one quarter, which could have been just a fluke, it’s definitely best to take the over for this bet. The league favors high-scoring play nowadays.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – Under 34.5 Points (-115)
In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, despite being listed as doubtful on the injury report, Giannis still scored 20 points, earned 17 rebounds, and acquired 4 assists in 35 minutes worth of play. He suffered a hyperextended left knee injury in the Eastern Conference Finals, in the Bucks’ 110-88 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Fast forward to Game 2 of the NBA Finals, Antetokounmpo’s point total was set at 26.5. Last Thursday, Milwaukee lost 118-108, but “The Greek Freak” scored 42 points. Likewise, in this past Sunday’s matchup, he earned a whopping 41 points in Game 3.
These statistics show why his point total for Game 4 is currently set at 34.5. Not to mention, the Bucks are 8-1 at home in the playoffs. They are a formidable force at the Fiserv Forum. However, the Suns suffered only their fifth playoff loss on Sunday. Thus far, they have not lost in back-to-back post-season games. While Phoenix has their fair share of poor performances every here and there, bettors should anticipate the team improving defensively for Game 4. They will hold Giannis to under 34.5 points. It’s a fair bet.
Deandre Ayton – Over 16.5 Points (-113)
Deandre Ayton concluded the 2020-21 regular season, averaging 14.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Ayton played 69 games for Phoenix this past regular season, which was certainly an improvement over his 38-game appearance in the 2019-20 season. Nevertheless, in the NBA Finals series against the Bucks, he is averaging 18.5 points, with a field goal percentage of 71.4 percent.
In Ayton’s Game 3 performance, he ended his night with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals. Plus, Ayton earned his 13th double-double of the season in Game 3. The 6’11’’ Bahamian center has proven to the basketball world that he is a key contributor for the Suns, especially for acquiring much-needed rebounds. For Game 4, Ayton has great odds of wrapping up his performance with over 16 points, even if he happens to have another lackluster first half.
Brook Lopez – Over 15.5 Points and Rebounds (-120)
In the 2020-21 regular season, Brook Lopez finished with statistical averages consisting of 12.3 points and 5 rebounds. Against the Phoenix Suns this season, Lopez has scored an average of 8.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. In Game 3, he scored 11 points and ended his performance with 2 rebounds. Now, based on 21 minutes of play, it is possible for him to put up over 20 points once in a while, but his minutes are being limited.
In Game 1, Lopez scored 17 points and acquired 6 rebounds, based on 23 minutes of game-time action. Something else to think about is garbage-time points. He is also leading the team in blocks, accumulating 1.7 per game. Game 4 could be one of those must-win games where Lopez plays more minutes to help defend the rim against the Suns’ Deandre Ayton. Take the over on this particular prop bet.
Chris Paul – Over 21.5 Points (-120)
Chris Paul played 70 games in the regular season. He averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.4 steals. Statistically, his season point average is the lowest since his 2018-19 performance on the Houston Rockets (15.6). However, in Game 1 of the NBA Finals versus the Bucks, Paul finished his performance with 32 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists. This is considering the point that he also played 37 minutes in Game 1.
To add to the aforementioned stats, in Game 2, he posted 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists, in 41 minutes of game-time action. In the Suns’ 20-point blowout loss in Game 3, Paul put up 19 points and 9 assists, in 34 minutes of playing. All things considered, betting the over is a reasonable bet. Chris Paul is hungry for his first ring. This is his sixteenth season in the league and his first finals appearance, and he’s not getting any younger. Bettors should expect another noteworthy showing.
Other Bovada Requested Specials – Odds +500 and Lower
| Each Quarter Over 45.5 Points | -200 |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo 31+ Points & Khris Middleton 21+ points | -175 |
| Phoenix Suns Over 20.5 Points In Each Quarter | -175 |
| Khris Middleton to Have 5+ Assists And Mil. To Win | -105 |
*odds retrieved from Bovada.lv/sports/basketball/nba
In closing, several of these listed NBA betting prop bets are appealing to quick-witted bettors. Pay close attention to detail, considering the data can change over the course of time. Play it safe when necessary, but ultimately, take a few risks when no one else is. The payoffs are rewarding.