Sunday’s NBA action kicks off with a nationally televised matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks, but there is going to be some starpower missing in this game.
Kevin Durant (knee) won’t play for Phoenix, as he’s expected to make his debut later this week against the Charlotte Hornets.
For Milwaukee, MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo (wrist) is listed as doubtful, but the Bucks are still favored at home. The Greek Freak played in the team’s game against Miami on Friday, but he was pulled early with the injury.
The Suns are right back in the mix for the No. 3 seed in the West, sitting just two games back of the Sacramento Kings entering Sunday’s action. The team has thrived with Devin Booker in the lineup (22-12), but it is set as a road dog on Sunday.
Here’s a look at the latest odds and my best bet for this matchup:
Suns vs. Bucks odds, spread and total
Suns vs. Bucks prediction and pick
Milwaukee has been elite at home this season when favored, going 19-11 against the spread, but it is just 6-5 straight up when Giannis sits.
The Bucks haven’t beaten a team that’s better than a play-in contender (OKC twice, Utah, Charlotte, Toronto and Indiana) without Antetokounmpo, so I think the Suns are live to pull off the upset in this game.
Over their last 10 games, the Suns are 7-3, and they have been respectable against the spread as road dogs, going 9-7 on the season.
The team’s offense is astronomically better when Booker plays, and I’m willing to take a shot on Phoenix to pick up the upset.
The Bucks are still working Khris Middleton back into his regular role, and they’re due for a loss at some point after winning 13 straight. I think Booker, CP3 and company snap the streak on Sunday.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.