Will Chris Paul & Giannis Antetokounmpo Play? Phoenix Suns vs Milwaukee Bucks Game 3: Prediction, Injuries, & Lineups

The Phoenix Suns held the serve against the Milwaukee Bucks, meaning that they comfortably won both their home games. Now, it is Milwaukee supporters’ duty to move from the streets of Wisconsin’s Deer District and help the Bucks from Fiserv Forum’s stands. Still, will a crowd support alone help initiate a turnaround?

Giannis Antetokounmpo was a blazing force in Game 2. The Greek Freak demanded the ball possession, coached his team from the bench, and played tirelessly in the night. However, with no help, he could only do so much. Now, it is on Mike Budenholzer to drive in his roster the same spirit that they showed in the later games against the Nets and the Hawks.

Phoenix Suns vs Bucks: Injury updates and lineup prediction

For the Suns, their bench has taken a hit in the first two games. In Game 1, they saw Dario Saric injuring his right knee and limping off the floor. Later it turned out to be an ACL tear, pushing him out of the series. Then, in Game 2, Giannis rammed into Torrey Craig in a sequence that injured him. Although his MRI showed no structural damage, the small forward is a day-to-day decision.

Probable starting five – Mikal Bridges (F), Jae Crowder (F), DeAndre Ayton (C), Devin Booker (G), and Chris Paul (G)

Turns out this is the only area where the Bucks have been better, managing injuries in this series. They only have Donte Divincenzo out because of his foot surgery.

Potential starting five – Giannis Antetokounmpo (F), PJ Tucker (F), Brook Lopez (C), Chris Middleton (G), and Jrue Holiday (G)

Read more – “Finish The Job”: Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker Reveals What Kobe Bryant Would Have Told Him For the NBA Finals

Who wins?

The Bucks are 7-1 on their home court in the playoffs 2021, having lost just one 3-point game against the Hawks. Plus, Giannis Antetokounmpo is coming off a 42-point double-double night and all the momentum is with him. However, the fact that the remaining starters combined for just 43 points tell an alarming story. So unless Khris Middleton practices hard and gains some confidence in his perimeter shooting, they’re the underdogs.

For the Suns, the fewer the fouls they drew in Game 2, the more they covered up by draining threes. Although Chris Paul struggled with turnovers, Mikal Bridges ensured they used every possession effectively. Additionally, the way Devin Booker played one-on-one against Brook Lopez, it seemed that the young man saw no one between him and the rim, irrespective of the distance in between. 

Long story short, the Suns are playing better but we still see the home court advantage going a long way. We believe Bucks will make it 1-2 in Game 3.

Watch this story – Giannis Antetokounmpo vs Devin Booker in Game 2 and How It Went