Game Thread: Toronto Raptors vs. Milwaukee Bucks

This game has no seeding implications. It is not a playoff preview because many of the players who would have the largest say on the outcome of a playoff series between these two teams will not be playing. A few months ago the National Basketball Association schedule makers said that there would be a game between the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks at 6:30 PM Eastern Time on August 10th and so there will be, but the gravity of that game has been washed away in the preceding weeks. Though this is still theoretically a marquee matchup, a game between the two best teams in the Eastern Conference, all we are left with is a game that holds no significance except that significance which we assign to it. For most of us that will simply amount to the passive entertainment it provides on an excruciatingly hot Monday afternoon.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, this season’s likely MVP will not play in this game, and various Raptors including Fred VanVleet, Serge Ibaka and perhaps Kyle Lowry will also sit out. The official reasons provided are dubious, but we all know the truth. The truth is that they are tired and basketball is dangerous and what follows matters little enough that they should not risk their health.

They said basketball would be played at this hour and now the hour is upon us so the basketball must be played. For whatever it’s worth, let’s watch.

UPDATE:

It’s raining.

Where to Watch:

Sportsnet 6:30 PM EST

Lineups:

Toronto – Terence Davis, Norman Powell, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol

Milwaukee – Eric Bledsoe, Wesley Matthews, Khris Middleton, Marvin Williams, Brook Lopez

Injuries:

Toronto – Patrick McCaw (knee), Oshae Brissett (knee), Paul Watson (back), Serge Ibaka (rest), Fred VanVleet (rest), Kyle Lowry (rest - questionable)

Milwaukee – Thanasis Antetokounmpo (concussion), Giannis Antetokounmpo (oral surgery)