The Milwaukee Bucks are back in Fiserv this afternoon, playing host to the Toronto Raptors. This game begins a stretch in which they play nine out of their next 10 games at home. With Giannis out, the Bucks have found a nice groove with their recruits. That said, we should also acknowledge that the Bucks have had a favorable schedule of late and/or played banged-up teams. This game should be a good barometer of where they’re at (though the Bucks catch something of a break with Scottie Barnes being out). Milwaukee is 1-2 against Toronto this season.
Where We’re At
As mentioned, the Bucks have won six of their last seven. They just came off a W over their pick-swap nemesis, the Pelicans, and beat the Thunder and Magic before the All-Star break. Over the aforementioned seven-game stretch, the Bucks have the seventh-best net rating in the NBA (fourth on offence, 17th on defence). One stat I found quite interesting was that, even though it feels like the Bucks have been moving the ball more, they actually rank 26th in assist percentage across that seven-game stretch. So in reality, it’s been more about the isolation scorers (namely Cam Thomas and Kevin Porter Jr.) getting into their bags more than anything else—which is maybe a little concerning?
The Raptors, winners of three of their last four, have made the jump they intended to make this year after trading for Brandon Ingram in the middle of last season. They are no longer a team hanging at the bottom of the standings. The primary reason for that has been their defence, which ranks fifth for the season and 11th over the last five games. Of course, the recent drop-off could be tied to their anchor, Jakob Poeltl, missing significant time due to a back injury. However, Poeltl’s absence has opened the door for their lottery pick, Collin Murray-Boyles, to start and flourish in a larger role. Poeltl is back now, but Murray-Boyles has remained the starter. Seems like a positive long-term for the Raps.
Injury Report
For the Bucks, Giannis (calf) and Taurean Prince (neck) are out. Myles Turner (calf) is questionable.
For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes (personal) is the only out.
Player To Watch
Let’s go with Cam Thomas. Since getting real minutes from the second game against Orlando, CT has averaged 24.3 PPG. I mean, he just diced the Pelicans’ defence; it’s going to be interesting to see how he fairs against the Raptors, though. This is a team that backs itself to switch at an elite level. They have a trove of lanky, strong wings (as is Toronto tradition), and a bunch of hard-nosed guards. One of those guards is Jamal Shead, who, if you haven’t watched him, might be one of the NBA’s best point-of-attack defenders; no, I’m not exaggerating. Cam will likely have to deal with Shead for much of the game—it will be interesting to see if he can still score at the same rate.
How To Watch
FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 2:30 p.m. CST.
