It's do or die for the Raptors, if they lose to the Bucks tonight they would be down 3 games to nothing, a playoff deficit no team in NBA history has ever recovered from.
Despite losing by 22 points in Game 2 Toronto is a 2-point favorite at home tonight. We break down the odds and give our predictions and best bets for this pivotal matchup.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS AT TORONTO RAPTORS (Toronto -2, 219.5)
QUICK HITTER
Neither the Raptors or Bucks have gotten out to quick starts this series with Milwaukee averaging 26.7 first quarter points per game and the Raptors 24.3. Look for defense to be emphasized, especially early on as the Raptors try to avoid falling behind like in Game 2.
PREDICTION: First quarter total Under 54
FIRST HALF BET
The average score at halftime over the most recent three games has been 57-48 in favor of the Bucks. The Raptors are 12th in the league in first half scoring at home averaging 57.4 ppg while the Bucks are 11th in first half scoring on the road at 56.5 ppg
Defensively the Raptors are surrendering 52.7 ppg in the first half at home, good for sixth in the NBA, while the Bucks allow only 53.2 1H ppg on the road. Take the Under for the 1H total.
PREDICTION: First half game total Under 107
TEAM/PLAYER PROP
Toronto’s Pascal Siakam played limited minutes in Game 2 due to foul trouble early. He has been an important part of the Raptors offense logging eight games with 20 or more points this postseason and seven games with seven or more rebounds. In what should be a lower scoring game, look for Siakam to be active on both sides of the floor, and go over his rebounding total set low.
PREDICTION: Pascal Siakam Over 6.5 total rebounds
FULL GAME TOTAL
The Raptors have really struggled this series thus far putting up 100 points in Game 1 on 37 percent shooting from the floor, and only 103 points on 42 percent shooting in the second game. Toronto will have to be better defensively if they want to get the win today and stop the Bucks from getting to the free throw line for 35 attempts like they did in Game 2.
PREDICTION: Under 219.5
FULL GAME SIDE
The Bucks have won six of the most recent seven games against the Raptors and nine of their most recent 10 overall. The Raptors have struggled this postseason but have found a way to get wins at home all season long posting a 37-11 record. As favorites they have been dominant posting a 57-21 straight up record. Look for them to finally tighten things up on both sides of the ball and back the Raptors on the moneyline.
PREDICTION: Toronto Raptors moneyline
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