Milwaukee Bucks vs Toronto Raptors Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Toronto Raptors look to get back on the winning trend against their Eastern Conference rivals.
• Second, in the East, the Milwaukee Bucks are looking for consecutive wins.
• The Raptors and the Bucks both crashed out of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals last year.

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Raptors vs Bucks Predictions and Picks

The Raptors have improved since their abysmal start, but Milwaukee’s dominance in the paint is the difference-maker in this matchup.

Picks:

Milwaukee Bucks to Win (+188)

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Head-to-Head: Bucks vs Raptors

Bucks Hopes to Dominate the Interior

The Milwaukee Bucks are first in the league in scoring, averaging 120.1 points per game. Much of that has to do with their tremendous pace, and their ability to dominate inside.

What gives the Bucks an edge in terms of the odds is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ability to score inside. A near-unstoppable force, the Toronto Raptors no longer maintain the interior presence to resist him in the paint.

While Brook Lopez has turned into a near-exclusive outside shooter, he could be a difference-maker with a return to the post. Regardless of who does the job, challenging Toronto’s rim protectors is priority number one.

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Raptors Must Be Accurate from Range

The Toronto Raptors are famously one of the smallest teams in the league this year. After losing Gasol and Ibaka over the offseason, Aron Baynes and Alex Len have failed to fill their shoes – the latter having been waived by Toronto at this point.

On the plus side for Toronto, they are one of the most dangerous shooting teams in the NBA. Toronto ranks second overall in three-point field goals made and attempted, while ranking ninth overall in percentage. Every lineup the Raptors field are capable of hitting the three-ball.

Toronto are not strong in the paint, ranking last in two-point field goals made and 29th in two-point field goals attempted. Without a good interior option, Toronto must work for good shots to stay competitive with the Bucks.

Bucks Key Player: (G) Jrue Holiday

Watched this Jrue Holiday assist from last night a few times today and needed to slow it down to fully appreciate it. pic.twitter.com/toOfEzx6Pn

— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) January 20, 2021

The Milwaukee Bucks’ star offseason acquisition has been reliable, if not a bit understated this season. He won’t have the opportunity to lay low against Toronto’s backcourt.

Toronto has a threatening backcourt including Kyle Lowry, Fred Vanvleet, and Norman Powell. The holiday will have to not only score to stay in the game, but also guard one of the toughest guard combinations in the NBA.

While Holiday’s output has slowed this season, his efficiency has increased. With a career-high in steals per game (1.9) and a career-low in turnovers per game (1.5), Holiday will have to maintain said efficiency despite his difficult assignments.

Raptors Key Player: (G) Kyle Lowry

VINTAGE KYLE LOWRY pic.twitter.com/weFKaPpgfL

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 17, 2021

Kyle Lowry missed the Raptors’ first match in their back-to-back against the Indiana Pacers but returned for their second meeting. Lowry’s return match was a loss, and it showed that he may not have been ready to return from said injury.

In 32 minutes of play, Lowry posted 12 points, two rebounds, and one assist on two of 11 shooting from the field. According to head coach Nick Nurse he was a game-time decision, which may have played into his poor performance.

In order for the Raptors to beat the Bucks, Lowry needs to be productive. As a playmaker and as a scorer, Lowry can be one of the Raptors’ most impactful players.