Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Toronto Raptors are down 0-2 in this season series.
• The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off of an overtime loss.
• These two teams met in the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals, where the Toronto Raptors were the eventual champions.

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Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks Odds

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Raptors vs Bucks Predictions and Picks

The Milwaukee Bucks have dominated this matchup all season. Considering the Toronto Raptors’ difficulties with ball security since the restart, we expect a low-scoring game where the Bucks defense will be the difference.

Pick:

Milwaukee Bucks def. Toronto Raptors -230

How to Watch Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks

Head-to-Head: Raptors vs Bucks

Ball Security is First Priority

Despite being one of the most talented rosters in the NBA, the Toronto Raptors are not without their own shortcomings. Ranked 16th overall in the league in turnovers, 14.6 per game, the Raptors average only 13.7 turnovers in victories.

Over their last five matches in the NBA bubble, the Toronto Raptors are averaging 18.4 turnovers per game. In their recent victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Raptors committed 25 turnovers, almost 11 more than their opponents force per game.

The fault lies in the Raptors’ stars. Siakam, Vanvleet, and Lowry accounted for 16 of their teams 25 turnovers, Lowry committing nine on his own. In order to take down a Bucks team that is first in possessions, the Raptors can’t afford to give up extra opportunities if they hope to win this game.

Giannis, and the Bucks, Need to Work at the Rim

It is no secret that the Milwaukee Bucks succeed as Giannis Antetokounmpo does. However, the Bucks do tend to struggle when the Greek Freak isn’t being his usual aggressive self.

Antetokounmpo attempted 26 shots against the Mavericks. Of Antetokounmpo’s field goal attempts, 11 were outside of five feet – he scored on two of those attempts. On the other hand, he was 11 of 15 within five feet. It’ll be tough for him to score against the Raptors’ big men like Gasol and Ibaka, but in order to drive his team’s efficiency he has to score in the paint.

The Bucks made their fair share of threes in their last match, 15 to be exact, but their percentages weren’t great across the board. In order to encourage a more efficient shooting night for his teammates, Antetokounmpo must attack the basket and create opportunities for others.

Raptors Key Player: (G) Kyle Lowry

DEFENCE TO OFFENCE pic.twitter.com/cUjcrcoj0Y

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) August 9, 2020

Six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry is undoubtedly the leader of this Toronto Raptors team. Despite his relatively advanced age at 34 years old, Lowry is still having one of the best years of his career.

Lowry’s production rarely dips whether the Raptors win or lose. However, it is his efficiency that determines Toronto’s success. In wins, Lowry shoots 43.5% from the field, and 38% from three. He also averages just 2.8 turnovers in victories. In losses, Lowry averages 37.3% shooting from the field and 30.7% from three, to go along with 3.4 turnovers per game.

Lowry is coming off of a win against the Grizzlies where he shot 33.3% from the field, 28.5% from three, and committed nine turnovers. That’s called getting bailed out. To beat the Bucks, he can’t afford another poor performance.

Bucks Key Player: (F) Khris Middleton

Khris Middleton is smooth ?

Get to TNT to watch the 4th QTR of Bucks/Heat! pic.twitter.com/EePuZP0wlJ

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) August 6, 2020

Khris Middleton is a steadying force for the Milwaukee Bucks. While Antetokounmpo is the star that is focused on for every match, Middleton makes his living in the background.

It’s a good living and a successful one. Middleton’s stats are near identical in wins and losses, going so far as to shoot higher than the league average from the field and from three in losses.

In this match against the Raptors, Middleton will have to show he is more than just a sidekick. He disappeared against the Raptors in the 2019 NBA Playoffs and it cost the Bucks the series. To beat the Raptors, Middleton will need to perform like he’s a star and not just Giannis’ hanger-on.