Preview
As the Milwaukee Bucks attempt to break their four-game losing streak, all hope is that the loss of both Kyle Lowry and Yuta Watanabe is enough to get a win. The Bucks are favored in this matchup but with Jrue Holiday out due to COVID protocols, the responsibility falls on Giannis Antetokounmpo to carry the team. In the season matchup, both teams have won a game apiece, and each team desperately needs a win for this new and improved Eastern Conference. For the Bucks, they are looking to stay atop of this very competitive conference while the Raptors are still trying to remind everyone they just won the 2019 Finals, even if they don’t have Kawhi Leonard.
Bucks
While the Bucks are third in the Eastern Conference and have one of the best offensive efficiencies in the league, they still seem to be figuring out this team with the addition of Holiday this offseason. Even though Antetokounmpo is a superb player, his leadership quality has yet to be determined along with his jump shot. Antetokounmpo stated earlier this week that there is no “panic mode” about the 4-game losing streak. With the Philidelphia 76ers and possible MVP Joel Embiid not to mention the Brooklyn Nets, the Bucks must figure out their game and fast. The Bucks hope to get a win in front of their home crowd tonight and snap the 4-game losing streak, getting their momentum shifted upwards.
Raptors
The Raptors, on the other hand, have a record of 11-7 in the last 18 games as they look to climb from their seventh spot in the Eastern Conference. With their big 3 of Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, and Lowery combined for a total of 73 points in their win over the Bucks and looking to keep the same momentum tonight. Considering the Raptors are No. 8 in offense and top 10 in ball security, they definitely have the team chemistry and experience to win more games and make a jump in the conference. Defensively, the Raptors lead the NBA in turnover creation with No. 2 in the league for steals per game and also No. 2 in the NBA with protecting the rim. The Raptors will need to show how they are No.2 at protecting the rim with Antetokounmpo surly-looking to prove himself tonight as the league’s reigning MVP.
