2025 NBA Season

[Botnake]

For Game 4, before placing a bet, I would focus a lot on the Suns' defensive problem that needs to be solved quickly; I think that for the next game the Suns need a different Booker than the one who fights with his aim and closes with 10 points and 3/14 on his shot, ending up in serious criticism while becoming the most watched man in view of Game 4.
Because of this, and if the Greek God will keep rockin', I believe the Bucks can win another important game even though this time with less than 10 points difference. Do you share my view?

Suns understand that they are not the better team than the Bucks in terms of defense, that is why they are focusing more on their offense to win. If they made an adjustment on their defense, they could have limit Giannis but he was still dropping 40+ points in game 3, so expect that he will do the same in game 4.

Defense is their main problem as they don't have a solid defender which can stop Giannis inside the paint, Maybe they should set a good defensive plays unto him so that the bucks cannot dominate them again. They need a good luck on their next match since if Bucks will defeat again the Suns then provably they can snatch the championship. I want Suns to win this season but bucks really give a good match unto them so let see if Giannis can dominate and take the Finals MVP this season

I don't know how they'll do it as they don't have anyone who can match up Giannis one on one unless they'll double or triple Giannis, but this would not work further as the Bucks had already learned how to beat the opponent if they'll implement that kind of strategy. Bucks won game 3 coming from 2 losses, now they came from a big win, so we will see a more confident Bucks and maybe will once again dominate the Suns.

Let's just see the adjustment in game 3, if only Booker was shooting well, the game would be close even if Bucks would still win the game. I don't know why Booker was not shooting well, even if the defense is on him but making 10 points only is unacceptable for a star player.

Devin Booker props in game 4.

over/under 27.5 points - hmmmm... what's the call?

[danherbias07]

For Game 4, before placing a bet, I would focus a lot on the Suns' defensive problem that needs to be solved quickly; I think that for the next game the Suns need a different Booker than the one who fights with his aim and closes with 10 points and 3/14 on his shot, ending up in serious criticism while becoming the most watched man in view of Game 4.
Because of this, and if the Greek God will keep rockin', I believe the Bucks can win another important game even though this time with less than 10 points difference. Do you share my view?

The simple explanation could  be he was rattled by the Bucks fans. It's not their home anymore and he might have been used to people cheering for him but not in Game 3. He will adjust to it, that's how players are after a lost. It's the Bucks that needs to be careful when Booker starts to get used with the noisy crowd behind him and against them. Holiday will be dealing with him and I bet it will also wore him down running both offense and defense for the team.
Middleton should take over if that incident happens. He should also know the plays for the team because Holiday can't carry that load for the whole 48 minutes.

[carlisle1]

For Game 4, before placing a bet, I would focus a lot on the Suns' defensive problem that needs to be solved quickly; I think that for the next game the Suns need a different Booker than the one who fights with his aim and closes with 10 points and 3/14 on his shot, ending up in serious criticism while becoming the most watched man in view of Game 4.
Because of this, and if the Greek God will keep rockin', I believe the Bucks can win another important game even though this time with less than 10 points difference. Do you share my view?

The simple explanation could  be he was rattled by the Bucks fans. It's not their home anymore and he might have been used to people cheering for him but not in Game 3. He will adjust to it, that's how players are after a lost. It's the Bucks that needs to be careful when Booker starts to get used with the noisy crowd behind him and against them. Holiday will be dealing with him and I bet it will also wore him down running both offense and defense for the team.
Middleton should take over if that incident happens. He should also know the plays for the team because Holiday can't carry that load for the whole 48 minutes.

I remember him playing like this way back against Clippers if my memory served it right,
Game 3 of that WCF he only contribute 15 points and his team lose that game, 

If Suns will repeat that, the chance that Booker will keep shooting the ball aiming to get his confidence
back playing outside his territories.

He's numbers together with Paul and Ayton is very important to this finals, Bookers needs to find his rhythm
if they are aiming to win a game inside the Bucks homecourt.

[btc_angela]

For Game 4, before placing a bet, I would focus a lot on the Suns' defensive problem that needs to be solved quickly; I think that for the next game the Suns need a different Booker than the one who fights with his aim and closes with 10 points and 3/14 on his shot, ending up in serious criticism while becoming the most watched man in view of Game 4.
Because of this, and if the Greek God will keep rockin', I believe the Bucks can win another important game even though this time with less than 10 points difference. Do you share my view?

Nothing has changed, the line is still -4.5 for the Bucks. That is the same line that open in game 3 and they surpassed it by expectations. So yes, they can cover it again, but I do agree that we won't see a blow out game, it could be close, but I do believed that they can still manage to win at least 5 points specially that Giannis is in a role scoring 40+ points straight in 3 games. Plus, the supporting cast is back, with Holiday, Middleton and Lopez. It's hard to stop a scorer like Booker, what they can do is limit him at least and contest every shot. He has a lot of good looks in game 3, fortunately for the Bucks, he is not shooting very well.

[Questat]

For Game 4, before placing a bet, I would focus a lot on the Suns' defensive problem that needs to be solved quickly; I think that for the next game the Suns need a different Booker than the one who fights with his aim and closes with 10 points and 3/14 on his shot, ending up in serious criticism while becoming the most watched man in view of Game 4.
Because of this, and if the Greek God will keep rockin', I believe the Bucks can win another important game even though this time with less than 10 points difference. Do you share my view?

The simple explanation could  be he was rattled by the Bucks fans. It's not their home anymore and he might have been used to people cheering for him but not in Game 3. He will adjust to it, that's how players are after a lost. It's the Bucks that needs to be careful when Booker starts to get used with the noisy crowd behind him and against them. Holiday will be dealing with him and I bet it will also wore him down running both offense and defense for the team.
Middleton should take over if that incident happens. He should also know the plays for the team because Holiday can't carry that load for the whole 48 minutes.

No, the defense of the Suns has really improved, getting rattled because of the fans is not a big excuse as they have been playing in different court as a player, they are used to it already. Let's just say that the Bucks were more inspired as they are at home and game 3 was a do or die game for them as they know they'll not be able to come back in the series if they'll lose.

[Yogee]

...
The simple explanation could  be he was rattled by the Bucks fans. It's not their home anymore and he might have been used to people cheering for him but not in Game 3.

I'm not underestimating their impact but I doubt rowdy fans can have a huge impact on him. I would agree if it wasn't just 3 out of 14. I mean just 14 shots taken for their star player! Tighter defense on him is the more logical reason for that. I get it that he's still young but they have CP3 to lead them.

[justdimin]

I agree, a slow pace game will favor the bucks as they have Giannis who can get inside and Dominate, their movement is also more accurate which would result in a better shooting percentage. Suns are a good fast pace team, they have the best PG in NBA now, and everyone is moving so it's hard to predict who will score, unlike the Bucks where it's most likely Giannis. They need to take it slow, just like an old-school game.

The 3 point shooing of the Suns dropped to    29% compared to 50% in game 2.

Yes, that's why CP3 suits with the Rockets before with Mike D'Antoni as the coach who loves a fast-paced game and he had Harden who can manipulate the tempo of the game.

The Bucks can win this as long as they stop those plays and go "old-school" hoops as you said. They could try the Spurs plays before with Tim Duncan dominating the perimeter and inside the paint.
Height advantage is their key. Even if Giannis shoots a perimeter shot while being defended by Capela, Lopez has a high percentage for an offensive rebound as long Giannis will pull Capela out as much as he can.

Side: After Rachel Nichols now it's Stephen A. Smith. These guys wear their masks all day long they just forget it sometimes.

I am not sure if they could do the old school style anymore, teams just have way too many perimeter players. I recently saw a reddit post about how Warriors are willing to offer their 7th pick, their 14th pick, future first picks, a second round pick, wiseman and wiggins as salary filler for Damian Lillard.

To be honest Portland is not in a hurry to sell Damian but they also know that this team is not going to get them a ring that is for sure, so with the new picks they could end up giving it a go and try to win something 5-10 years down the line with the new stars if they are lucky while drafting, because current roster is guaranteed to not get a ring, the future one may or may not, at least there is a possibility.

However in that case we will see Curry-Lillard-Klay line up with draymond and whoever, assume you are playing them, how are you going to play "old school" in that situation, suns are not like that but it is still very new school and it is not easy to play that way with that team.

[ChiBitCTy]

Has anyone been watching the Olympic basketball exhibition games ?  Even though the US does not have many of it's best players playing on the team ( Lebron, Curry, Thompson, Leonard etc ), it is still very surprising to me that they have dropped both of their first two games against Nigeria and now Australia as of last night.  Talent level wise, I don't think there is any question that the US team is tops, but I'm still kinda shocked at how bad they've been playing.  You guys think they will turn it around, or does this team just simply not seem to have enough synergy?

[Yogee]

I didn't watch the full match for both their games but it's all over every basketball pages on social media.

...guys think they will turn it around, or does this team just simply not seem to have enough synergy?

Maybe they can turn things around when it actually matters since they have their huge egos to protect but I won't hope that much. I don't think they will get gold or silver with that line up.

[akirasendo17]

Can the bucks even the series at 2 apiece? if they want to do that then, they have to look at their advantage as a team, an example is their height have more athletic bigs, and because of injuries Portis is given a chance and now have a role in the team unlike before, limit Chris paul with the ball, the heart of the team is Paul, the booker is a score, not a facilitator so that will be a problem for suns, harder defense to Payne, this guy is a scorer and a passer also, they have to watch this guy.

[Fredomago]

Can the bucks even the series at 2 apiece? if they want to do that then, they have to look at their advantage as a team, an example is their height have more athletic bigs, and because of injuries Portis is given a chance and now have a role in the team unlike before, limit Chris paul with the ball, the heart of the team is Paul, the booker is a score, not a facilitator so that will be a problem for suns, harder defense to Payne, this guy is a scorer and a passer also, they have to watch this guy.

There are lots of assignment for the Bucks to tie this series, I like the idea of using their heights feeding Lopez and Giannis and make Ayton suffer, putting him in a much earlier foul trouble.

Then let Holiday and Middleton find their composure and not just to focus with their defense, create plays and attack the basket if it's needed. They are playing at home with the crowd to cheer them.

Giannis is doing all the best he can, support from his teammates will lead them to win.

[dwyane36]

Has anyone been watching the Olympic basketball exhibition games ?  Even though the US does not have many of it's best players playing on the team ( Lebron, Curry, Thompson, Leonard etc ), it is still very surprising to me that they have dropped both of their first two games against Nigeria and now Australia as of last night.  Talent level wise, I don't think there is any question that the US team is tops, but I'm still kinda shocked at how bad they've been playing.  You guys think they will turn it around, or does this team just simply not seem to have enough synergy?

I wouldn't say that the USA team has a bad roster. However, it was unexpected that they lost against Nigeria, considering that the USA had been winning them by a large margin on points in previous Olympic games. It looks like Durant and Beal had a bad performance in this match.

[wheelz1200]

So glad to see the Bucks come in strong.  Would have been a boring finals if it was a clean sweep.  Since I don't have a dog in the fight I'd like to see this one go 7.  Nothing like a game 7  for a finals.  In the end I hope the Suns do win.  Like to see CP3 get a chip and he doesn't have much time left to get one.

[TravelMug]

Can the bucks even the series at 2 apiece? if they want to do that then, they have to look at their advantage as a team, an example is their height have more athletic bigs, and because of injuries Portis is given a chance and now have a role in the team unlike before, limit Chris paul with the ball, the heart of the team is Paul, the booker is a score, not a facilitator so that will be a problem for suns, harder defense to Payne, this guy is a scorer and a passer also, they have to watch this guy.

It's possible, they have the momentum, and it will be in their home court. And Giannis is playing like a true MVP so it will be a good NBA finals that we are seeing. CP3 on his last leg and will force himself to play good and win this series. And then we have the Bucks on the other hand, trying to proved that they are no fluke and Giannis also wanting to get his first NBA ring. So it's going to be a long gruelling series, and yes probably would go to game 7. So still 50/50 up to this point.

[wheelz1200]

Can the bucks even the series at 2 apiece? if they want to do that then, they have to look at their advantage as a team, an example is their height have more athletic bigs, and because of injuries Portis is given a chance and now have a role in the team unlike before, limit Chris paul with the ball, the heart of the team is Paul, the booker is a score, not a facilitator so that will be a problem for suns, harder defense to Payne, this guy is a scorer and a passer also, they have to watch this guy.

It's possible, they have the momentum, and it will be in their home court. And Giannis is playing like a true MVP so it will be a good NBA finals that we are seeing. CP3 on his last leg and will force himself to play good and win this series. And then we have the Bucks on the other hand, trying to proved that they are no fluke and Giannis also wanting to get his first NBA ring. So it's going to be a long gruelling series, and yes probably would go to game 7. So still 50/50 up to this point.

I don't think it's exactly 50/50 at this point yet.  Suns still control home court advantage and Bucks HAVE to win game 4 to get it back even.  They can easily be down 3-1 and will have to face 3 win or go home games (2 of them on the road) to win the finals.  They aren't obviously out of it but they are definitely the underdogs right now.

[TravelMug]

Can the bucks even the series at 2 apiece? if they want to do that then, they have to look at their advantage as a team, an example is their height have more athletic bigs, and because of injuries Portis is given a chance and now have a role in the team unlike before, limit Chris paul with the ball, the heart of the team is Paul, the booker is a score, not a facilitator so that will be a problem for suns, harder defense to Payne, this guy is a scorer and a passer also, they have to watch this guy.

It's possible, they have the momentum, and it will be in their home court. And Giannis is playing like a true MVP so it will be a good NBA finals that we are seeing. CP3 on his last leg and will force himself to play good and win this series. And then we have the Bucks on the other hand, trying to proved that they are no fluke and Giannis also wanting to get his first NBA ring. So it's going to be a long gruelling series, and yes probably would go to game 7. So still 50/50 up to this point.

I don't think it's exactly 50/50 at this point yet.  Suns still control home court advantage and Bucks HAVE to win game 4 to get it back even.  They can easily be down 3-1 and will have to face 3 win or go home games (2 of them on the road) to win the finals.  They aren't obviously out of it but they are definitely the underdogs right now.

Obviously it will be the case, but the Bucks are the favourite next game, so the chances to even up the series and make it 50/50 is high. As I have said, they have the momentum and the homecourt advantage. And so far homecourt advantage is, it is holding, so all the numbers are pointing to Bucks winning game 4.

Giannis and company will have to come up big, make it 2-2 and then go back in Phoenix, at least not facing elimination.

[gagux123]

Has anyone been watching the Olympic basketball exhibition games ?  Even though the US does not have many of it's best players playing on the team ( Lebron, Curry, Thompson, Leonard etc ), it is still very surprising to me that they have dropped both of their first two games against Nigeria and now Australia as of last night.  Talent level wise, I don't think there is any question that the US team is tops, but I'm still kinda shocked at how bad they've been playing.  You guys think they will turn it around, or does this team just simply not seem to have enough synergy?

I'm not following the USA games, but I saw some news related to the games and I confess I was surprised the USA lost. Even though they don't have the best players, the USA team has enough capacity to win every game. I believe, maybe the team isn't tuning in, or maybe some players aren't playing seriously.

Obviously it will be the case, but the Bucks are the favourite next game, so the chances to even up the series and make it 50/50 is high. As I have said, they have the momentum and the homecourt advantage. And so far homecourt advantage is, it is holding, so all the numbers are pointing to Bucks winning game 4.

Giannis and company will have to come up big, make it 2-2 and then go back in Phoenix, at least not facing elimination.

I even confess the "play at home factor" can make a difference, I also believe the favorite to win game 4 will be the Bucks, if this series draws (which I think will happen) we will have excellent and competitive games in the future

[dwyane36]

It's possible, they have the momentum, and it will be in their home court. And Giannis is playing like a true MVP so it will be a good NBA finals that we are seeing.

For me, the Suns are still favorites in this series, and I hope CP3 will be able to win the first title in his career. Nevertheless, I agree with you that Giannis looks like MVP. If he scores 40+ points again in the upcoming game, he most likely will be nominated as MVP of the NBA final regardless of the outcome of this series.

[OgNasty]

It's possible, they have the momentum, and it will be in their home court. And Giannis is playing like a true MVP so it will be a good NBA finals that we are seeing.

For me, the Suns are still favorites in this series, and I hope CP3 will be able to win the first title in his career. Nevertheless, I agree with you that Giannis looks like MVP. If he scores 40+ points again in the upcoming game, he most likely will be nominated as MVP of the NBA final regardless of the outcome of this series.

I think CP3 will probably take MVP honors if the Suns win but I don’t think DeAndre Ayton’s impact can be stressed enough. He needs to stay out of foul trouble and they should take the next one. If Giannis does manage to bring the Bucks a championship though, he’s the clear MVP. I’m glad this series has become competitive, but I would’ve liked to have seen the Suns in 4.

[Reid]

However in that case we will see Curry-Lillard-Klay line up with draymond and whoever, assume you are playing them, how are you going to play "old school" in that situation, suns are not like that but it is still very new school and it is not easy to play that way with that team.

Did I say defensive old school? I think I didn't mention that.

The Bucks can win this as long as they stop those plays and go "old-school" hoops as you said. They could try the Spurs plays before with Tim Duncan dominating the perimeter and inside the paint.
Height advantage is their key. Even if Giannis shoots a perimeter shot while being defended by Capela, Lopez has a high percentage for an offensive rebound as long Giannis will pull Capela out as much as he can.

Yes, I didn't.
It's the offensive style that I am trying to explain. Old school slow but with high proficiency. But when back to defense they should try stopping the transition plays and Giannis is not a slow player so he could easily go back to his post.

The line-up that you told has that weakness too. Height. And that's what I am trying to say that is the weakness of Suns if only Ayton can protect the rim. Giannis and Lopez could go old-school post-up game and terrorize Ayton in the paint.