/ 14 July 2021

NBA finals game four predictions

2021 Nba Finals Game Two
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half in Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

What will we see from Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in game four, considering the extended period of rest at home and the Bucks’ quest to tie another series, after they have done it once before this postseason? Will we see another 40?

Amine El Amri, Le Matin (Morocco): We will definitely see better basketball from the Bucks in the upcoming games. They’re like a diesel engine, which needs some time and some road before it really starts to perform. It happened versus the Nets, and to some extent versus the Hawks. There is no reason why it shouldn’t happen versus the Suns. One of the best things about the evolution of this franchise is how everybody keeps the faith and Giannis Antetokounmpo is the first one to believe. Sometimes, it’s just about that. And even though I know he’s nowhere near Michael Jordan, I believe he can score 40 points or more in his next game and I believe he can win the finals. The only doubt is how reliable the rest of the Bucks players will be.

Garrin Lambley, The South African (South Africa): I think we’ll see the Milwaukee Bucks continue their hot streak and tie up the series at 2-2 on the back of another stellar performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, the “Greek Freak” will fall short of another 40-point outing, but he won’t lose any sleep over that. Team result trumps individual achievement after all…

Nafy Amar Fall, Wiwsport (Senegal): We have predicted a long streak for these two teams, seven games, and it appears that things are going that way. The Bucks are more than able to equalise and even turn the tide. In their last game, they won an explosive second quarter. And if they’ve been able to limit the Suns to just 17 points, it’s because they can count even more on their defensive strengths and set the record straight. Everything is currently revolving around the Greek Freak, who can easily score more than 40 points at any time. The Bucks have been growing, game after game, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s contribution has been very important. He will certainly break records without realising it and it will be good for him and for the team. However, they must win their home games, because it will be very difficult to beat the Suns on the road.

Refiloe Seiboko, Mail & Guardian (South Africa): I anticipate that the Bucks will continue to protect their home court. They are in a good flow, playing confidently and, most importantly, have health on their side. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been aggressive and literally going hard in the paint, and that’s always a good sign. I don’t know if he’ll have consecutive 40-point games, but I really don’t think it matters.

Rotimi Akindele, Beat FM (Nigeria): Yes, we will likely see the series tied after game four. Just like Giannis Antetokounmpo, I can’t predict the future, but I hope he registers the highest number of points and rebounds for the Bucks, and I also hope his support cast will put in a good shift. That was the key for them in game three – team play.

Stuart Hess, Independent Online (South Africa): The extra day obviously helps Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. An element that wasn’t mentioned enough was the impact of Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton. If those two guys are going to continue to be proper support acts, as they were in game three, then the series goes back to Phoenix tied 2-2. As for 40 — why not? The Suns have yet to show that they can stop him. The Bucks, with a fully fit Antetokounmpo, remain the favourites to win this series.