We gave it to the Bucks last time off the back of their strength in the paint. Even though they lost, we still expect them to adjust and not allow another 50% shooting night from the Raptors.
Pick:
Milwaukee Bucks to Win ()
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How to Watch Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks
| Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks Information |
| What |
Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks |
| Where |
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI |
| When |
7:30 PM EST, February 18th, 2021 |
| How to Watch |
TNT |
Head-to-Head: Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks
| Toronto Raptors |
Head-to-Head |
Milwaukee Bucks |
| Nick Nurse |
Head Coach |
Mike Budenholzer |
| 13-15 (7th in East) |
Standing |
16-12 (3rd in East) |
| W-L-L-W |
Form |
L-L-L-L |
| 113.9 (8th of 30) |
Off Rtg |
118.3 (3rd of 30) |
| 111.7 (15th of 30) |
Def Rtg |
111.0 (13th of 30) |
| 100.3 (11th of 30) |
Pace |
101.8 (5th of 30) |
|
Leaders (Per Game)
|
| P. Siakam (20.6) |
PPG |
G. Antetokounmpo (28.2) |
| P. Siakam (7.8) |
RPG |
G. Antetokounmpo (11.4) |
| F. Vanvleet (6.6) |
APG |
G. Antetokounmpo, K. Middleton (5.8) |
| O. Anunoby (2.0) |
SPG |
J. Holiday (1.9) |
| C. Boucher (2.1) |
BPG |
G. Antetokounmpo, B. Lopez (1.3) |
| P. Watson (.643)/P. Siakam (7.6) |
FG%/FGM |
T. Antetokounmpo (.654)/G. Antetokounmpo (10.3) |
| P. Watson (.727)/F. Vanvleet (3.3) |
3P%/3PM |
J. Nwora, S. Merrill (.500)/K. Middleton (2.4) |
Toronto Must Create Opportunities
The Toronto Raptors are an excellent shooting team, but their successes aren’t born out of one-on-one opportunities. With their athleticism and pace, Toronto can always create three-point chances with their penetration.
Much of their success will depend on the aggression of Pascal Siakam, Fred Vanvleet, and Norman Powell. None are prolific finishers at the rim, so driving with a purpose is essential.
Lowry hit three three-point shots for the Raptors in their last win against Milwaukee, so if he’s unavailable they’ll need to find that production somewhere else.
Editor’s Picks
The Bucks Need to Prioritize Playmaking
The Milwaukee Bucks play with strength and pace. But with Jrue Holiday out of the lineup, they were missing a true playmaker on the court.
The Bucks had 25 assists as a team, but most of it was born out of swings and fast-break buckets. In the half-court, the Bucks were stifled late by the Raptors.
If they want to beat the Raptors in the second game of this back-to-back, the Bucks must involve everybody. Whether or not Jrue Holiday is available, they need better playmaking out of Middleton, Forbes, and Connaughton – who combined for one assist.
Raptors Key Player: (F) Pascal Siakam
Pascal Siakam wasn’t tremendously efficient in his last match against the Milwaukee Bucks, but his aggression and directness going to the net changed the game for Toronto.
Siakam contributed 23 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists in 38 minutes of play. He will need to contribute more on the scoring side, as key man Kyle Lowry is questionable for this matchup.
A positive for the Toronto Raptors when Siakam is aggressive is the potential of his playmaking. Without a natural playmaker with Lowry off the court, Siakam will play point forward in order to direct Toronto’s offense.
Bucks Key Player: (G-F) Khris Middleton
All-Star Khris Middleton is the theoretical Kobe to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Shaquille O’Neal. When the paint is locked up and Giannis is occupied, Khris Middleton goes to work. But in his last game, Middleton disappointed.
Middleton posted a very modest line of 11 points, seven rebounds, and two steals to go along with five turnovers. In his first matchup with Toronto in January, Middleton was massive with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.
Middleton has the talent, but he seemed to struggle with the swarming defense of the Raptors. With Holiday likely unavailable to play, he’ll need to manage the pressure better and be productive both shooting and distributing.
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