The Raptors were able to even up the Eastern Finals with the Bucks 2-2 after a big win on their home court as 3-point underdogs in Game 4. Today, Toronto travels to Milwaukee once again as underdogs with hopes of pulling off another upset in a pivotal Game 5. **video
We break down the NBA betting odds for this playoff matchup and give our predictions and best bets for Game 5 of the Eastern Finals between the Raptors and Bucks.
TORONTO RAPTORS AT MILWAUKEE BUCKS (-7, 215.5)
Series tied 2-2
Series price: Bucks -286/Raptors +230
QUICK HITTER
The Bucks need a great start in this one and have proven they are capable of that on their home court. They average 29.6 first quarter points at home this season and in Milwaukee’s most recent home game, they got out to a quick start dropping 35 first quarter points on the Raptors. The emphasis on a quick start is important seems even more important in this series as the team to win the first quarter has gone on to win three of four games thus far.
PREDICTION: Bucks first quarter spread -2
FIRST HALF BET
The Bucks don’t slow down in the second quarter, ranking second in first half points at home averaging 60.6 per contest. The Raptors have done well on the road in first halves averaging 55.9. But with both teams defensively ranking towards the top of the Association in first half points allowed with Toronto sixth allowing only 53.6 on the road, and Milwaukee 54.5 at home. Look for Milwaukee to ramp their defense up in this one and enter halftime with a lead.
PREDICTION: Bucks first half spread -4
TEAM/PLAYER PROP
Toronto’s Pascal Siakam has been struggling with ball security over the most recent two games, and throughout most of the postseason for that matter, logging 2 or more turnovers in seven postseason games, including two straight. Siakam has been logging big minutes for the Raptors and has a very high usage rate. Look for his mistakes to continue.
PREDICTION: Siakam Over 1.5 turnovers
FULL GAME TOTAL
The Raptors shot the ball just above 47 percent from the floor the last time out, however they have struggled from the floor this series outside of that performance. Defensively, Milwaukee is allowing an average of 106.5 points per game on a league best 42.7 percent shooting. The Raptors defensively have rank fifth in opponent shooting percentage at 45.2 percent away from home and have held the Bucks to 108 points or fewer in two of the four games this series, which is well below the 119.1 points they average on their home court this season.
PREDICTION: Under 215.5
FULL GAME SIDE
The Bucks loss in Game 4 marks just the second time all season in which they lost consecutive ball games. And they have yet to lose three straight games which is partly why Milwaukee is such a big favorite on their home court.
Milwaukee, despite shooting over 46 percent from the floor in Game 4 only managed to put up 102 points. Their bench scored only a combined 23 points despite having three players with 15 or more minutes played and they’ll need more production from them in Game 5. Look for the home team for win for the fifth straight time in this series, but for Toronto to keep things close.
PREDICTION: Raptors +7
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