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What scares me about the Bucks — I mean, beyond All-World Giannis, and their top ranked offense and defense — is just the sheer number of players on the team who could be deemed Raptor killers. Think about it. We know, for example, that Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to do stuff tonight in Milwaukee; and we can surmise that Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton will be right there too. They’re the team’s best players. The rest though? I still worry.
Look at that header image up there. That’s a picture of Pascal Siakam attempting to slow down Ersan Ilyasova. I don’t know if he managed to do so, but I do know that Ilyasova is one of the more inexplicable members of the Raptor Killer Club. Ask anyone. And then add to the list: the bizarre duo of Tony Snell (because of his former relation to the Bulls) and Thon Maker (who has had all of the best nights of his career against Toronto). Finally, sure, let’s toss in deep bencher George Hill because he’s done a number on Kyle Lowry in the past, and always seems to have a strong game against the Raps. That’s four guys! It’s just not fair.
The Raptors are facing an uphill battle again tonight. It appears, despite a sweaty workout earlier today, Lowry will not play tonight in Milwaukee. Not totally surprising, but a tad disappointing. Hopefully he’s being patient so as to be all the way back (no pun intended) when he finally takes the floor. The rest of Toronto’s situation is very much the same as it was this morning — grim, manageable, and something to overcome.
Green: "There's things that we probably need to nip in the bud soon. I think it happens with time & patience but also with health. I think we're being too patient at times & waiting. I think we need to jump on it right away & fix these problems ASAP, regardless of who's healthy."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) January 4, 2019
Danny Green pretty down on the Raptors this morning, saying it seems like they’re ready for the all-star break: "It seems as if, watching some of the film, we’re going through the motions a little bit, not being sharp, not coming out the way we needed to or not coming out ready."
— (((Eric Koreen))) (@ekoreen) January 5, 2019
Something to keep in mind: a win tonight for the Bucks would clinch the tiebreaker in favour of Milwaukee. Toronto likely does not want that to happen. The top seed is at stake!
Here’s said preview of Raptors-Bucks. Below are your updated game details. Now, let’s watch.
Where to Watch:
8:30pm on Sportsnet ONE (SN1)
Lineups:
Toronto - Fred VanVleet, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, Serge Ibaka
Milwaukee - Eric Bledsoe, Malcolm Brogdon, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez
Injuries:
Toronto - Kyle Lowry (sore back - doubtful), Jonas Valanciunas (hand - out)
Milwaukee - None, those dang son of a guns.