Tonight, sees Game 6 in the NBA Finals. The Milwaukee Bucks lead the series 3-2 after their dramatic win in Arizona on Saturday evening against the Phoenix Suns. They now stand just one win away from earning the franchises’ second-ever NBA Championship.
However, this has been a series that has been so much more than the 3-2 scoreline suggests with drama aplenty throughout and incredible individual efforts, alongside some outstanding team performances.
We are going to break down what has happened prior to the potentially definitive Game 6, before we preview the game tonight and give you our view on whether the Bucks will land their first ever NBA Championship, or whether the Suns can take it to a Game 7 decider back in Phoenix.
With interest in the NBA growing in the UK, especially with matches being shown live on
Sky Sports on a regular basis, there are going to be lots of interested parties in this potentially decisive game and if you would like a bet on the outcome, or want to enjoy Live In Play betting while the game is in progress, then bet365 Sport is a great option for you.
Of course, there is huge interest in the game across the United States too and plenty of bookmakers have odds available on the Game. Check out what BetRivers Sportsbook has to offer as it is available across a wide number of states, and offers excellent value sports betting for all US-based customers.
The question many UK punters may be asking is how did we end up at this situation in Game 6? Let’s give you a quick preview of how the series has unfolded.
NBA Finals
Game 1 – (Phoenix) – Phoenix Suns 118-105 Milwaukee Bucks (1-0)
Having secured home advantage in the Finals due to their better regular season record, the Suns took full advantage winning the opening game in confident fashion, Chris Paul shone for the Suns netting a team high 32 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo, on his return from injury, could only manage 20 points for a Bucks side that looked a little leggy at times.
Game 2 – (Phoenix) – Phoenix Suns 118-108 Milwaukee Bucks (2-0)
The Suns extended their lead in the series to 2-0 with another fine team display. Paul, Mikal Bridges and Devin Booker, who scored a team high 31 points, were the architects of their victory but Giannis returned to form for the Bucks scoring 42 points in defeat.
Game 3 – (Milwaukee) – Milwaukee Bucks 120-100 Phoenix Suns (1-2)
Game Three was a must-win game for the Bucks and they achieved precisely that back at
the Fiserv Forum for the first time in the Finals. Giannis rattled in 41 points and shone in a fantastic second quarter display where the Bucks scored more than double the points of the Suns (35 to 17) to open up a gap that the Suns could not claw back.
Game 4 – (Milwaukee) – Milwaukee Bucks 109-103 Phoenix Suns (2-2)
Devin Booker scored 42 points, but it was still not enough for the Suns as the Bucks snatched victory in dramatic fashion in an exciting Game 4. With the Suns leading by six heading into the fourth quarter, however crucial turnovers by veteran Chris Paul allowed the Bucks back into it after the Suns dominated most of the fourth quarter. However with a minute left, a sensational block by Giannis turns momentum the Bucks way and they hang on for the last few seconds for a vital win to level the series.
Game 5 – (Phoenix) – Phoenix Suns 119-123 Milwaukee Bucks (2-3)
A dramatic finish handed the Milwaukee Bucks a sensational win in Phoenix to take them to the brink of their second NBA Championship. The Bucks came back from a 16 point deficit in the first quarter to lead at the half but late in the game, the Bucks led by just one point 120-119. Devin Booker, who hit another 40+ point game had the ball with seconds left to try and put the Suns in front, but Jrue Holiday stripped the ball from him, advanced down the court and then set Giannis up for an alley-oop basket which also drew a foul, which Giannis duly netted to put the Bucks four points up with just seconds remaining.
If the Bucks do go on to win the series, then Giannis’ block in Game 4 and Holiday’s steal in Game 5 will be the plays that are remembered for laying the groundwork for the victory.
Game 6 – (Milwaukee) – Preview & Tips
Game 6 sees the teams return to Milwaukee and offers the Bucks the chance to clinch in
front of their fanatical home support. However, in what has been a series that has ebbed and flowed, don’t be too surprised if the Suns spring a surprise to land the win and take this to a seventh game.
Bet365 have the Bucks as the favourites to win the game with them being 10/21 on the money line bet to take the win they need, while the Suns are 7/4 to claim the victory and take the series to Game 7.
After three wins in a row, including the first road win of this series, momentum is definitely with the Bucks and on their home court, you would fancy their chances against any team. However, the Suns do have the team ethic and quality to mitigate the strengths of even the likes of Giannis, Khris Middleton and Holiday.
However, doing that in Phoenix is one thing, in Milwaukee with the NBA Championship on the line is a very different matter.
As such, I am backing the Bucks to clinch the NBA Championship here in Game 6. The signs are the Bucks are now starting to play much better as a team and are not so reliant on the brilliance of their two time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
That said, Giannis has stepped up so often during the Playoffs for his team that if he gets any kind of semblance of support from his team that he has enjoyed in the last two games in particular, then the Bucks stand an incredible chance of landing their first NBA title since 1971.
Just remember that Game 6 tips off tonight at 2am in the morning UK time (Wednesday am), with Game 7, if required, tipping off at 2am in the early hours of Friday morning
Tags: Basketball bet365 Sport
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