NBA Sunday Tips: Phoenix Suns rising with stellar Kevin Durant addition

Kevin Durant’s impending arrival has the Suns shooting for the stars as they head to Milwaukee on Sunday evening to take on a potentially Giannis-less Bucks.

Phoenix Suns @ Milwaukee Bucks

Tipoff: 6pm Sunday GMT (Sky Sports Arena)

You would get long odds that Kevin Durant makes his debut for the Phoenix Suns in their primetime duel at the Milwaukee Bucks. Still rehabbing a knee injury, the All-World forward is returning with caution and yet the dramatic response from the betting markets since his recent acquisition illustrates his immense talent. 

After a surprisingly mediocre second quarter of the campaign, the Suns have recovered their early season buzz in recent weeks with 12 wins from their last 16 games, during which they have outscored opponents by an average of 112.7-108.6. 

Their recalibration did not come at the expense of Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton or Devin Booker, fulcrums of a roster that – lest we forget – were the Bucks’ opponents in the Finals two years ago. How will Durant insert himself into the already potent mix? In adding one of basketball’s greatest and most efficient scorers, the Suns added an unstoppable upgrade to what was only the NBA’s 18th-ranked offence. 

Kevin Durant: yet to make his debut for the Phoenix Suns

Prior to his absence, the veteran was shooting 62.2% from the paint and over 93% from the foul line. For a line-up that was corralled by the Mavericks in last spring’s playoffs, the newcomer can both create problems offensively - and solve them.

The Bucks, of course, will feel they have an even-better closer in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the ‘Greek Freak; is starting a short spell out of action of his own after picking up a knee injury on Friday against Miami. Despite his exit in the first quarter, the form team of 2023 so far comfortably extended their winning streak to 13, the longest run of victories in the NBA this term.

With both megastars set to be sidelined, Sunday is a potential dress rehearsal for the NBA Finals in name only. Milwaukee is -8.4 points with Giannis off the floor but the Bucks have gone 6-5 in his previous absences in averaging 111.0 points. If he does sit, expect a closer margin and lower scoring below 230. 

Prediction: Suns +4 @ 2.18 

LA Lakers @ Dallas Mavericks

Tipoff: 8.30pm Sunday GMT (Sky Sports Arena)

LeBron James believes the Los Angeles Lakers can still contest the NBA Championship. Only 3% of the markets concur despite their pre-deadline retooling. 

Still, as a signal of minor intent, hammering the Golden State Warriors by 13 in their first game back after All Star fitted the bill. It sets up a shot at only a fourth three-game winning streak of this inconsistent campaign in Dallas on Sunday. 

If the debut of Dallas’ new-look backcourt tandem was a similar setting out of the stall, LA may be set to stall. 

Luka Doncic had his first outing beside recently-arrived Kyrie Irving on Thursday in a 142-116 routing of the dreadful San Antonio Spurs. The Mavs’ highest scoring performance of this season, predicated on converting 52% from three-point range and the Dynamic Duo combining efficiently for 51 points. 

Dallas, now 20-10, should be worth a start of -5 on the handicap. Their defence is far from A-List. But neither is the Lakers’ which is why they languish where they are. Expect another scoring blitz from both, especially with Irving surely playing with a point to prove from the Lakers’ snub that dispatched him to Texas.

Prediction: Over 232 points @ 1.81 

Toronto Raptors @ Cleveland Cavaliers

Tipoff: 11pm Sunday GMT  

The Cavs suffered just a seventh home loss of the term to Denver on Thursday, which underscores their deserved place among the top four in the East. It seems unthinkable they will slip below that spot. Climbing will be equally tough, however, with the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers ahead. 

With a defence allowing fewer points than anyone else in the NBA at 106.7, the squeeze has been tight. Within their own Conference, the Cavs are 22-12 versus the rest of the East following Friday’s surprise loss in Atlanta.

Toronto has crept into the play-in places with a four-game streak built on average-to-poor opponents, yet a trip to Ohio is a cut above with Cleveland certainly good value at -3.

Prediction: Under 216.5 points @ 1.91

NBA Sunday Tips

Phoenix Suns @ Milwaukee Bucks: Suns +4 @ 2.18
LA Lakers @ Dallas Mavericks:  Over 232 points @ 1.81
Toronto Raptors @ Cleveland Cavaliers:  Under 216.5 points @ 1.91