I’m going to be honest. Handicapping the Toronto Raptors every game is exhausting.
The Raptors enter tonight’s matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks losers (the sentence could stop there) of 15 games in a row and the NBA odds say it will likely be 16 as they are massive underdogs once again.
However, the Bucks have had their own issues of late. Does that mean Toronto has any chance of keeping this one close?
I break down this Eastern Conference matchup and bring you the best bet in my NBA picks and predictions for Raptors vs. Bucks, on Friday, April 5.
Raptors vs Bucks predictions
My best bet: Bucks team total Over 122.5 (-110 at PointsBet)
The only solace Toronto Raptors fans can take away from this 15-game losing streak is that the team will likely look much different when next season rolls around.
For now, the losing streak continues as the franchise's low-water mark of 17 consecutive losses quickly approaches. That dubious distinction looks likely to hit 16 as the Raptors are 15-point underdogs when they visit the Milwaukee Bucks tonight.
Or is it?
The Bucks have their own set of issues heading into this matchup. Milwaukee unceremoniously fired head coach Adrian Griffin despite starting the season 30-13. The Bucks are now 15-15 with Doc Rivers as head coach and the latest two losses are the most perplexing yet.
Milwaukee has lost its last two games. Those games were against the Washington Wizards and the Memphis Grizzlies. The Bucks were 12-point favorites in both.
Unfortunately, for Raptors fans, I think Toronto will be a sacrificial lamb here.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are both listed as questionable for this matchup but I find it extremely hard to believe they will sit this one out, at home and considering those recent results.
And this is still the Bucks. They have two of the most dangerous offensive players the NBA has to offer, going against a Raptors defense that has been the second-worst in the Association since Jan. 1 and has surrendered 128 or more points in four consecutive games.
Yes, the Bucks have been playing badly but the Raptors are rewriting the definition of the word 'bad' at the moment. Keep this simple and take the Bucks to go Over their team total tonight.
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Raptors vs Bucks same-game parlay
Bucks team total Over 122.5
RJ Barrett 20+ points
Kelly Olynyk Under 5.5 assists
With RJ Barrett being away from the team for a while due to personal reasons it looks like the losing streak hasn’t worn on him as much. Barrett gave it all in his first game back against the Lakers going for 28 points on 11-18 shooting while adding six rebounds and six assists.
The Bucks' defense has been average at best all season long, let’s add Barrett to hit the 20-point plateau for the second straight game.
And let’s close this same-game parlay out with a Kelly Olynyk prop, The veteran became the Raptors' best playmaker recently, averaging 8.6 assists per game during the five games prior to Barrett and Quickley’s return.
Once they did return, the Raps got back two primary ball handlers and Olynyk only recorded four assists vs. the Lakers. Add Under 5.5 assists for Olynyk against a Bucks team that ranks eighth in opponent assists per possession.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Raptors vs Bucks odds and trends
Raptors vs Bucks live odds
Raptors vs Bucks opening odds
- Spread: Toronto +16.5 | Milwaukee -16.5
- Moneyline: Toronto +1,100| Milwaukee -2,200
- Over/Under: Over 225 | Under 225
Raptors vs Bucks spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Raptors opened this Eastern Conference matchup as massive 16.5-point underdogs but have actually seen the early action with the line Toronto +15 as of Friday afternoon.
- That may have something to do with the Bucks losing outright in back-to-back games where they were 12-point favorites. However, the Raps have covered the spread just three times during this 15-game losing streak which includes going 0-6 ATS in their last six when getting 11 points or more.
- The total hit the board at 225 and the Over has been hammered with the line now sitting at 228.5.
- And why wouldn't you, the Raptors have been giving up massive amounts of points lately and cashed the Over in four straight.
Raptors vs Bucks trend
The Raptors have hit the Game Total Over in 24 of their last 35 away games for +11.90 Units and a 31% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Bucks.
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Raptors vs Bucks game info
| Location: | Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI |
| Date: | Friday, April 5, 2024 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | WMLW The M, SN |
Not intended for use in MA.
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