The X-Factor’s
Although Chris Paul may be the primary playmaker for the Suns, the weight is going to be on Devin Booker’s shoulders to put up monster numbers as the Suns’ primary scorer. In his inaugural postseason run, Booker has averaged 27 PPG while shooting 44.4% from the field through 16 games. It’s going to be on Khris Middleton and PJ Tucker to contain Booker as he’s bound to drop 20+ PPG throughout this series. It’s tough to see Monty Williams draw up a game plan without D-Book at the centerpiece of it.
Meanwhile, when it comes to the Bucks, Khris Middleton is going to be the difference-maker both on offense and defense. Although Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence is alarming as he is (arguably) the most important player in this series, Middleton has the potential to be the pillar Milwaukee can lean on in the likely absence of #34. Middleton has averaged 29.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in the last two playoff games with Antetokounmpo out. However, it comes as no surprise that the Bucks are statistically better with the “Greek Freak” on the court in this year’s postseason run.
| Bucks in 2021 playoffs | Off rating | Def rating | Net rating | Def reb % |
| Antetokounmpo on court | 109.8 | 101.8 | 8.0 | 79.6 |
| Antetokounmpo off court | 108.2 | 107.1 | 1.1 | 69.3 |
Prediction
Ultimately, when it comes to picking a champion for this season, it’s tough to write off the Bucks based on the postseason run that they have gone on, however, the Suns are the one team that may one up Milwaukee’s playoff run. Chris Paul’s veteran presence could be the main difference maker and with Giannis Antetokounmpo likely to miss game 1, DeAndre Ayton may have his way early on in this series.
To top it all of, the biggest uncertainty in this series is Antetokounmpo’s health. There have been reports of the two-time MVP “making good progress” in a private workout with both the front office and medical staff present. The Bucks star is listed as doubtful for Game 1, but even if he returns sooner than later, I doubt he will be 100% for the series. With that in mind, it’s tough to bet against a Suns team that has stayed healthy throughout the postseason for the most part. But if anyone should prove me wrong, it should be Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks be the team to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Until then, my gut tells me Phoenix will cap off their cinderella season and Chris Paul will secure the first ring that he so desperately has sought after for 16 seasons.
