The Toronto Raptors will take on the Milwaukee Bucks after a back-to-back. We’re in Milwaukee to share our NBA odds series, make a Raptors Bucks prediction and pick while we show you how to watch.
The Raptors win a 122-107 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Significantly, the Raptors controlled the game throughout. Fred VanVleet led with 28 points and seven assists. Pascal Siakam also had 27 points and 10 rebounds. OG Anunoby added 15 points while Jakob Pöltl had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Additionally, Gary Trent Jr. had 19 points off the bench. The Raptors shot 53.5 percent from the field and also won the Battle of the Boards 45-42.
The Bucks suffered a 139-123 home loss to the Indiana Pacers. At first, it looked like the Bucks were headed for victory. But things broke apart in the third quarter when a poor defensive effort saw them give up 40 points. They then followed up with a poor fourth quarter to allow the Pacers to win. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 25 points and nine rebounds. Also, Jrue Holiday added 19 points while Khris Middleton had 16 points but missed all five 3-pointers. Bobby Portis added 16 points. Eventually, the Bucks shot 52.8 percent from field but allowed the Pacers to shoot 55.7 percent from field. The Bucks also shot 34.4 percent from the triples and allowed the Pacers to shoot 47.8 percent from the 3-point line. As a result, the Bucks flipped the ball 12 times.
The Raptors are 35-36 and are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference. Furthermore, they are 5-5 in their last 10 games. The Raptors are 12-23 on the road. The Bucks are now at 50-20 and are currently the best team in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks are 7-3 in their last 10 games. Also, the Bucks are 28-7 at home.
The Bucks are 2-0 up against the Raptors this season. First, they defeated the Raptors 104-101 in Toronto before defeating them 130-122 in Milwaukee.
Here are the Raptors-Bucks NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NBA Odds: Raptors Bucks Odds
Toronto Raptors: +9 (-108)
Milwaukee Bucks: -9 (-112)
Above: 234.5 (-110)
Below: 234.5 (-110)
How to watch Raptors vs Bucks
Television: NBA, BSW and SN
Streaming: NBA
Time: 8pm ET/5pm PT
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Why the Raptors might cover the spread
The Raptors won a big game to claim their place in the Play-In tournament. However, they must get past a Milwaukee team that has catapulted them to the top of the standings. It’s a potential playoff preview, and the Raptors could play the Bucks in round one if they can beat the play-in. After all, they have to get there first.
Siamkam, VanVleet, Anunoby and Scottie Barnes are the cogs that make the engine turn. Also, Poeltl has been great since the Raptors traded him back a few months ago. Poeltl has averaged 14.7 points and 9.6 rebounds in 15 games since returning to Toronto. Unfortunately, the Raptors are a top-heavy team. The bench doesn’t work well at all. Unfortunately, they only average 27.6 points per game. Toronto needs more performance from their bench to stand a chance.
The Raptors will cover the spread if they can stop Antetokounmpo. Then they have to convert their shot attempts.
Why the Dollars Might Cover the Spread
The Bucks are the best team in the Eastern Conference. Now they must find a way to stay healthy and finish the final stage with momentum. Antetokounmpo is obviously the king in Milwaukee with 31.4 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. Significantly, he’s carried the Bucks through thick and thin and is one of the best players in the league. Antetokounmpo has help with Holiday, who is averaging 19.4 points per game. Meanwhile, Brook Lopez is averaging 15.5 points per game. Lopez didn’t play Indiana and will bring the tag “questionable” into tonight’s competition. Middleton is averaging 14.6 points per game and will be a key part of tonight’s game. Finally, Bobby Portis is another option with 13.8 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
The Bucks need to improve their shooting as they rank 19th in field goal shooting percentage. Also, they are 11th in 3-point shooting percentage. The Bucks are also bad at charity streaks, ranking 29th in free-throw shooting percentage. However, they are the best on the boards and number one in rebounds. The Bucks are struggling to handle the rock and are 21st in turnovers. After all, they are 10th in blocked shots.
The bucks will cover the spread if Antetokounmpo can dominate on both ends. Then the team has to defend the rim with him.
Final Raptors Bucks Prediction & Selection
The Raptors always play hard against the Bucks. So expect them to keep it close and the bucks will have a hard time putting them away.
Final Raptors Bucks Prediction & Pick: Toronto Raptors: +9 (-108)
