Milwaukee Bucks extend series lead

Milwaukee Bucks extend series lead

The Milwaukee Bucks and the Toronto Raptors are now on their way for their second meeting in the regular season. On their first meeting, it was the Bucks who won, 104-101, and they are hoping to extend their lead in their four-game series. As for the Raptors, they are aiming to tie their series. Additionally, they are aiming to bounce back from their loss before this meeting, as they had a 114-103 defeat against the Hawks. The Bucks on the other hand is also coming from a 111-95 loss against the Heat on their previous game. It will be the Bucks hosting this match when they meet on January 18, 2023, at 8:30 AM (GMT+8).

These two teams are both included in the Eastern Conference, but when it comes to standings, they have a wide gap against each other. The hosts are at the third spot of the Eastern Conference, winning 28 of their 44 games this season. When it comes to home games, it is not surprising that they are doing well, winning 17 of their 22 home games. On the other hand, the visitors are at the 11th spot of the Eastern Conference, winning 20 of their 44 games this season. Moreover, they are playing badly on the road, winning only six of their 19 away games.

Milwaukee Bucks

NBA: Milwaukee Bucks
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Currently at the third spot of the Easter Conference, this squad is behind the top spot, Celtics, by 4.5 games. When it comes to defense, it is not surprising that the Bucks are doing well there, but their offense is their problem. Although they are doing well inside the paint, they have failed to consistently to shoot from beyond the arc. It is not surprising that they are more successful inside the pain as they are only shooting 34.8% from beyond the arc. Additionally, they are also unsuccessful in free-throw shooting, shooting only 73.7% from the charity stripe. This shooting percentage is actually the second lowest in the league when it comes to the free-throw shooting. They are the 23rd in offense, scoring 111.8 points per game, and sixth in defense, allowing 110.9 points per game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the Bucks with 31 points, and 11.9 rebounds per game. However, he is listed questionable for this match, following his injury, together with Jrue Holiday. Joe Ingles, and Serge Ibaka are also a doubt for this game, while Khris Middleton remains to be out.

Toronto Raptors

NBA: Toronto Raptors
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

As the Raptors are currently at the 11th place of the Eastern Conference, this team is hoping to earn more wins to stand a chance for a playoff spot. Just like their opponents, shooting beyond the arc consistently have been their problem as well. They are actually the second worst when it comes to shooting percentage in the three-point line. Raptors are only shooting 32.9% from beyond the arc, a proof that the area is not their expertise. Luckily, they are doing well in the free-throw line, shooting 79.6% in that area. However, they are struggling in defense as well, as they cannot be consistent in contesting their opponents’ shot. They need to improve both offensively and defensively to win this game. They are the 23rd in offense, scoring 111.8 points per game, and eighth in defense, giving up 111.5 points per game.

Paskal Siakam is the one who leads the Raptors, scoring 25.7 points per game, along with 8.2 rebounds. Otto Porter Jr. on the other hand is out in this game, following his issue in his toe. Fred Vanvleet is questionable due to his back issue.

Prediction:

Milwaukee Bucks
Total Under: 114.5
Odds: 0.90

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