The Phoenix Suns host the Milwaukee Bucks in the inaugural game of the NBA Finals tonight. This game is scheduled for a broadcast of 9:00 PM and will be played in the Suns arena.

The Bucks have finally solidified themselves as a championship contender. With a squad which is well built, the Bucks steamrolled past various teams in the Heat, Nets and lastly the Hawks and have made it to the Finals.

Coming off of two fantastic victories against a formidable opponent in the Hawks, Milwaukee certainly showed character despite playing without Giannis. But the challenge the Suns possess against the Bucks will be on a different ball park all together. Coach Budenholzer will hope that their talisman Giannis Antetokounmpo is back for game 1. A win in the first game is the Finals might be the best way to start a series.

The Phoenix Suns meanwhile have been the biggest surprise package in this season’s playoffs. Be it their incredible defending or their efficient offense, the Suns defeated some of the biggest teams in the Lakers, the Nuggets and the Clippers in their route to the Final.

While they did have their fair share of struggles with injuries, the Suns finally saw their talisman in Chris Paul in full health as he scored a whopping 41 points to close out the Conference Finals. The Suns will hope that they can carry on this magical run and winning the first game will certainly give all the momentum to the side.

Predictions

The Bucks and the Suns are well matched on paper. With guards like CP3, Devin Booker facing off against the likes of Middleton and Holiday, and forwards like Giannis Antetokounmpo facing off against DeAndre Ayton, the Bucks and Suns have some of the most interesting one on one battles.

But the Suns have home court advantage in this series and also see the Bucks’ talisman Giannis Antetokounmpo doubtful for the game. Given all of these factors, the Suns surely have the edge in game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Milwaukee Bucks: Injury updates and lineup prediction

The Bucks might miss two key players against the Suns in the first game of the Finals. Starting guard, Donte DiVencenzo is sidelined for the rest of the playoffs due to a foot injury. Talisman Giannis Antetokounmpo is doubtful against the Suns as he recovers from a knee injury.

Probable Lineup

Jrue Holiday (G)

PJ Tucker (G)

Khris Middleton (F)

Giannis Antetokounmpo (F)

Brook Lopez (C)

Phoenix Suns- Injury updates and lineup prediction

The Phoenix Suns will only miss a single player in Cameron Johnson who is sidelined due to illness. Playing in their home arena, the Suns will hope that they can win the inaugural game of the Finals and take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Probable Lineup

Chris Paul (G)

Devin Booker (G)

Mikal Bridges (F)

Jae Crowder (F)

DeAndre Ayton (C)