Bucks vs. Suns: The best player prop bets for Game 5 of the NBA Finals

Giannis Antetokounmpo has long been Milwaukee’s best player, but Khris Middleton may be the Bucks’ most important. That was underscored in Game 4 on Wednesday night, as the two-time All-Star scored 40 points and sealed the win by nailing four clutch free throws with the game on the line.

It was just the latest spectacular performance for Middleton, whose 38-point, 10-rebound night in Game 6 against the Nets helped keep Milwaukee’s postseason hopes alive.

These kinds of outings may come as a surprise to casual basketball fans, but they’re far from a revelation to Middleton’s teammates, who have known all along just how good the 29-year-old forward is.

"That’s what he does down the stretch," Antetokounmpo told reporters following the game. “We want him to have the ball. We want him to be the decision-maker. We know he’s going to take big shots, and tonight he was incredible."

Milwaukee will need another big game from Middleton on Saturday night to move one step closer to claiming the franchise’s first NBA championship in 50 years.

We’ve examined Saturday night’s matchup closely and have selected the three best players props to wager on.

Devin Booker Over/Under 28.5 points

When Kobe Bryant told Devin booker to be legendary, he likely had a performance like game 4 in mind. Coming off of a loss to Milwaukee, the dynamic guard responded by scoring 42 points on 17-28 shooting from the floor. Booker was especially lethal in the third quarter, when he singlehandedly outscored Milwaukee 24 to 18.

It may be too much to expect another 40-point outing on Saturday, but 29 points is well within reason. Booker surpassed that total 22 times during the regular season and has already topped it nine times in the playoffs. He ranks second among all players in total points scored this postseason, and has shown a propensity for getting to the line even when his jump shot isn’t falling.

The mild-mannered Booker is as competitive a player as you’ll find, and he’ll come out gunning in Game 5. Grab some popcorn and enjoy the show.

Pick: Over 28.5 points (-113)

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Deandre Ayton Over/Under 12.5 rebounds

Ayton’s scoring has been woefully erratic during the NBA Finals, but one thing that has been consistent is his work on the glass. The Bahamian big man is averaging 14.0 boards per game against the Bucks, and is fresh off a 17-rebound performance in Game 4.

It’s easy to chalk up all those caroms to Ayton’s length and athleticism, but a lot of it has to do with matchups. The 22-year-old pivot is logging 36 minutes per game while his counterpart, Brook Lopez, is playing just 22.8. That’s a significant discrepancy, and Ayton has been able to feast on those occasions when Lopez has been bench-bound.

Ayton’s offense may come and go, but bettors can bank on his ability to hoover up rebounds. Take the Over.

Pick: Over 12.5 rebounds (-113)

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Jae Crowder Over/Under 20.5 points, rebounds, and assists

Jae Crowder entered this series as the only player on both teams with NBA Finals experience, and it’s showed. The veteran forward is averaging 11.3 points and 8.3 rebounds against the Bucks while shooting 46% from beyond the arc. Those numbers are up significantly from the regular season, and illustrate Crowder’s ability to rise to the occasions when the stakes are highest.

After a slow start in Game 1, Crowder has averaged 25 combined points, rebounds, and assists over the past three games. There’s no reason to believe that number will dip as Milwaukee continues to focus on slowing down Booker and Chris Paul.

Pick: Over 20.5 points, rebounds, and assists (-113)