The 2021 NBA Finals has kept fans on their toes as the Milwaukee Bucks tied the series, 2-2, with a win in Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns.
After surprising everyone with their performance this season, the Suns have shown great offensive prowess. But as the saying goes, "the best defense is a good offense," and that's what Coach Mike Budenholzer's squad showed Wednesday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton gave everyone a good show as they rallied in Game 4 to secure a victory on home court. With the series now tied, the NBA Finals game 5 on Saturday couldn't be more exciting.
So, who will win the series and be crowned the 2021 NBA champions? Here are experts' NBA Finals predictions. The online betting can be done here.
Bucks vs. Suns: Who Will Win?
Most predict that the series will end with the Suns winning its first NBA championship in franchise history.
Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix believes there’s no reason why the Suns can’t show their strength, especially with Chris Paul orchestrating the team. This could pave the way for Paul’s first-ever championship after 16 years in the league. Based on both teams' performance during the regular season, the series will end up becoming a battle of who has the better defense.
Rohan Nadkarni also believes the Suns will take the series. Although he falsely predicted that Antetokounmpo will likely be a non-factor in the series, following a nasty fall in the conference finals against the Atlanta Hawks, he's correct in saying that Devin Booker and Paul will be showcasing their ruthlessness in the Finals. Hungry for the title, he predicts the Suns will take the series.
However, NBA insider Jeremy Woo has a different take on things. He’s banking on the Bucks to win Game 7. He doesn’t dismiss the Suns’ incredible stretch, but a Game 7 win isn’t impossible for the Bucks. With Middleton and Holiday on the team, the Bucks are very much capable of clashing against Booker and Paul. And with Antetokounmpo back in full strength, they have a higher chance of winning the championship.
Who Will be the NBA Finals MVP 2021?
Paul has certainly given the NBA Finals a good storyline, making his fans yearn for the most-awaited recognition they believe he deserves. It could be this season that he finally gets a ring and a Finals MVP nod.
However, Booker is also a strong contender having set playoff records since the first round. He has done an amazing job leading the Suns’ offense in the regular season and the postseason. In just his first NBA playoff appearance, Booker could be on track to receive his first NBA Finals MVP.
Antetokounmpo remains a clear favorite to bag the award if the Bucks take the Larry O'Brien trophy home. After setting up back-to-back 40 point games in Games 2 and 3, there is no telling what Antetokounmpo can't do on the floor. One of his defining moments is securing Game 4 for the Bucks thanks to his clutch block on Deandre Ayton's alley-oop attempt with only 80 seconds left in the game.
There's no doubt that the heat is on for Game 5 as these two teams are hungry for the title. Even with mixed predictions on the NBA Finals 2021 outcome, one thing's for sure -- everyone will be on edge as they wait to see who'll win this year's NBA championship.