Will the Milwaukee Bucks end a 50-year drought or can Chris Paul lift the Phoenix Suns to the team’s first NBA title? Our writers predict the winner, key players and dark horses
Limit the Bucks’ second and third options. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains day-to-day with left knee injury, will find a way to hit baskets when he gets on the floor. It might be in transition. It might be in the half-court. But over the course of the series, he will have one or two Giannis Games. Limiting Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Antetokounmpo’s supporting cast will be the key. As the Suns’ rim-protector, much of the defensive responsibilities will fall on Deandre Ayton. The former No 1 overall draft pick has undergone a metamorphosis during this year’s playoffs, and he will need to bring every bit of his defensive savvy to bottle up the Bucks. Oliver Connolly