This series has a Chris Paul crowning feel to it. The Bucks produced back-to-back great efforts without Giannis Antetokounmpo to eliminate the Hawks with that series finale occurring this past Saturday night in Atlanta.

The Suns have had six days to rest and prepare. They are healthy, unlike the Bucks who probably are not going to have Antetokounmpo. Suns coach Monty Williams said his team has practiced well during the wait. Phoenix is 3-0 ATS during the first game of its playoff series. The Bucks are 0-3 ATS in the opening game of each of their playoff series.

Milwaukee is 3-9 ATS the past 12 times it has been a 'dog. The Bucks have failed to cover in six of their last seven games against Phoenix.

I trust the Suns at home to produce the better Game 1 result, enough so to cover this spread. Minus Antetokonumpo, the Suns have the three best players in Paul, Devin Booker and emerging star Deandre Ayton.

The Bucks received huge performances from Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez during its last two games against the Hawks. They all stepped up big-time in the absence of Antetokounmpo. The Suns, however, are a much different opponent than the Hawks, who had to make do with a hobbled Trae Young.

The Hawks lacked a defensive stopper to deal with Middleton. The Suns have one in veteran Jae Crowder. Paul and his excellent backup point guard, Cameron Payne, rate an edge on Holiday. Keep in mind, Antetokounmpo isn't the only key Buck out with an injury. Milwaukee has been without underrated guard Donte DiVincenzo. He's out for the season with a foot injury and his defense is missed.

Ayton rates a huge edge on Lopez, an inconsistent journeyman who can't be trusted to play as well as he has.

I can't see the Bucks coming up with a third straight ''A'' game especially given the short turnaround.