Milwaukee looks to get back to its winning ways when the Toronto Raptors come to town on Tuesday. The Bucks return home from an unsuccessful road trip, but it won’t be an easy task against a hungry Raptors outfit.
Online betting markets have the Bucks as favorites in our NBA odds, so can they turn around some moderate recent results? Check out our online sportsbook for the latest Raptors vs. Bucks betting lines.
Bucks Happy To Be Home
The road trip for the Milwaukee Bucks got off to a positive start with wins over Cleveland and Denver, but consecutive losses to Phoenix and Utah didn’t impress.
They lost 125-124 to the Suns after leading for most of the game. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a shot to win on the buzzer, but he came up short. However, the Greek Freak had a commendable game, so he can’t be criticized.
The loss against Utah was to be expected, given the winning streak Utah is currently riding. However, it showed just how much the Bucks are behind the best teams in the West.
Returning home, where Milwaukee has a 9-2 record, could be the catalyst for its success. Milwaukee has won its last three games at home, with the two home losses coming to Utah and Los Angeles Lakers.
Toronto is an easier opponent than Utah and the Lakers, so expect an improved performance from the Bucks.
Raptors Languishing
Toronto is six games back of Philadelphia in the Atlantic standings, and with a record of 12-14, it will need to get a move on.
Only New York is worse than Toronto in the division, but making ground on the likes of the 76ers, Celtics, and Nets could be a herculean task.
Scoring wins over the Milwaukee Bucks is a good place to start, but it’s another tough road game for the Raptors.
They have played six consecutive games on the road, which included wins over Orlando, Brooklyn, Memphis and Washington. It has been a successful road trip, so they can take confidence from those results.
The Last Time They Met
Milwaukee scored a 115-108 win over Toronto when they met earlier this season. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 24 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists in the win.
Also on 24 points was Khris Middleton, who had 10 rebounds and seven assists. The Bucks got help from Brook Lopez, who chimed in with 20 points on 8-11 shooting.
The Toronto Raptors didn’t do much wrong in the loss. It shot at 40% and Norman Powell went 5-7 from the 3-point line. It was a strong effort from the Raptors, but not good enough defensively.
They allowed Milwaukee to shoot at 43% and shoot 26 free throws, which is where the game was decided. Putting the Bucks at the line isn’t a sound strategy, so expect that to change on Tuesday.
What Needs To Change?
Toronto needs to start producing on a consistent basis, but what needs to change?
Pascal Siakam is averaging 20.6 points per game, which could be increased with slightly better efficiency. He is a player capable of scoring 25 per game, and those points would be vital at this stage of the season.
There are no real concerns on the defensive end. Toronto gives up only 111.9 points per game, which ranks much better than the Nets, who currently lead the Atlantic division.
The Raptors need more cohesion when Kyle Lowry is off the floor. He is the main offensive and defensive leader, but he can’t do it by himself.
Prediction
Much like the game earlier this season, there won’t be much between the Raptors and Bucks.
Milwaukee will get favored to win at home, and rightfully so. However, the Raptors are good enough to keep this game close.
It will be interesting to see how they defend Giannis, as sending him to the line on 14 occasions isn’t going to get it done this time around. Toronto needs to play lock-down defense to have any chance.
We’re going with the Raptors to cover the spread as they are good enough to compete against the best teams in the East.
