The Raptors are finally back on the court tonight after an eight day lay-off. Obviously, like every NBA team around this time, they needed the break. By the three-quarter mark of the season most players are dealing with nagging aches and pains, and are usually looking for a bit of relief. (Meanwhile, this year is only two months old and I’m already looking forward to vacation.)
But Toronto shouldn’t get too lax because, hey, they’re currently riding a seven-game win streak! And, hey, they’re in first place in the conference! And, hey, the Bucks, a tough team with an MVP candidate in Giannis Antetokounmpo, are in town looking for vengeance after the Raptors beat them two different ways this season (and in last year’s playoffs)! I could go on, but you get where I’m going with this.
Since firing Jason Kidd as coach, the Bucks have looked re-energized. They’ve gone 9-3 in that time, their defense is much improved (second overall in the past month), and — while this is unrelated — they’ve got Jabari Parker back. They’re a different team, is my point.
So what kind of performance can we expect from the Raptors? I’d like to believe they still have Milwaukee’s number — and why not? They still have the same team, they’re still top ranked in both offense and defense, and really... who is afraid of the Bucks? (Don’t answer that.)
Now, here’s the full preview on Raps-Bucks from Zakaria Abdulle.
And here are the updated details for the game. Now, let’s watch.
Where to Watch:
TSN4/5, 7:30 PM EST
Lineups:
Toronto – Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valanciunas
Milwaukee – Eric Bledsoe, Tony Snell, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thon Maker (we’ll see if Henson is ready to go in this spot)
Injuries:
Toronto – None
Milwaukee – John Henson (probable), Malcolm Brogdon, Matthew Dellavedova, Mirza Teletovic, Tyler Zeller (probable), Marshall Plumlee