Clark's 'Caps: Milwaukee Bucks at Phoenix Suns Game 2 player prop predictions
The Phoenix Suns (1-0) look to take a two-game lead in their NBA Finals series against the Milwaukee Bucks (0-1) Thursday at their self-titled arena. Tip-off is set for 9:05 p.m. ET. Below, we'll highlight the top NBA player prop bet predictions for Bucks-Suns Game 2.
Bucks two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo surprised everyone by returning from a knee injury that kept him out of the last two games of the Eastern Conference Finals by suiting up for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
There was certainly a little rust for Giannis to knock off but he still had a solid outing scoring 20 points on 54.5% shooting with 17 rebounds and 4 assists.
On the other side, Chris Paul was fantastic, putting up a game-high 32 points on 63.2% shooting with 9 assists while Suns big Deandre Ayton added 22 points with 19 rebounds and Devin Booker had 27 points.
Also see:Bucks at Suns Game 2 odds, picks and prediction
Bucks at Suns Game 2 prop bet predictions
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports' betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:23 a.m. ET.
Milwaukee Bucks C Brook Lopez OVER 12.5 points (-130)
Lopez cleared this points prop in Game 1 easily by scoring 17 points on 50% shooting (3-for-5 from 3-point land) and did so on just 22:50 minutes of game time.
I could see Lopez getting more run in Game 2 since Ayton played 38:44 minutes in Game 1. Ayton is a legit seven-footer, as is Lopez, and if the Bucks don't put Lopez out there then Ayton could dominate the paint.
Furthermore, Ayton spent more time defending Giannis than any other Suns player, which left Phoenix stretch-4 Jae Crowder to guard the much larger Lopez.
This was a big reason why Lopez had a game-high five offensive rebounds Tuesday and, if he gets matched up with Crowder again, Lopez will have an easier time getting putbacks. Any deep post touches for Lopez vs. Crowder should be easy points.
BET B. Lopez OVER 12.5 points (-130) for 1 unit.
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Suns PF Cameron Johnson OVER 1.5 made 3-pointers (+110)
Even though I whiffed with this angle in my Game 1 player props piece, I'm going back to the well with Johnson's 3-point prop under the thinking that he'll get quality looks because Milwaukee's defense will be more fixated on defending CP3 and Booker.
Again, this has been Milwaukee's defensive strategy all year long as the Bucks have the worst defensive 3-point percentage vs. opposing power forwards on the most 3-point attempts allowed to the position during the regular season.
This strategy could burn them if employed against Johnson because he's been on fire during these playoffs.
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Johnson is shooting 45.5% from behind the arc in the postseason and has made at least two 3-pointers in nine of his 16 playoff games.
Also, Johnson shot 46.2% from three (6-for-13 from behind the arc) against Milwaukee in the regular season.
Lastly, any adjustments the Bucks defense makes to prevent CP3 from lighting them up again or keeping Booker off the foul line is going to create wide-open looks for Phoenix role players.
BET C. Johnson OVER 1.5 made 3-pointers (+110) for 1 unit.
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