Three Questions from the Raptors ahead of Game 3 vs. the Milwaukee Bucks

Kyle Carr of Brew Hoop was nice enough to speak with us after his team ripped the heart out of Raptors fans everywhere:

*****

Marc Gasol was a key piece in taking down the Magic and 76ers, but has been useless in Milwaukee. Do you think the Bucks present a different kind of matchup problem for Gasol?

Milwaukee always forces you into two decisions. (1.) Force Giannis Antetokounmpo to beat you 1-on-1 and stay tight on the shooters around him. (2.) Put two or three players on Giannis and risk Khris Middleton/Malcolm Brogdon/Brook Lopez, etc. hitting open threes. Orlando and Philly didn’t have the personnel or coaching to execute it while Milwaukee does. Gasol hasn’t been able to stay up to speed to play with Milwaukee, especially as the Bucks look to start every game fast.

Do you foresee any potential lineup changes the Raptors could employ that would make this series more difficult for the Bucks?

I wouldn’t be surprised if Serge Ibaka started or at the least play more. Norman Powell has had a solid series as well and him getting more playing time seems like a must. Otherwise I’m not sure what you really do; there isn’t a good backup for Lowry, Danny Green has been pretty bad, Jodie Meeks is NOT the answer it mainly comes down to Toronto’s bench has to get something going.

If you were a Raptors fan, would you have any confidence left heading into Game 3?

I believe so, maybe playing at home will spur the team on. Maybe Milwaukee has another cold shooting night like in Game 1. The increased playing time of Powell and Ibaka could make a difference. I think Raptors fans should have some confidence with Game 3 being a must win and I think your arena will be loud fo the first quarter.

*****

Thanks again to Kyle for speaking with us! Make sure to check out Brew Hoop for more Milwaukee content throughout the series.