Toronto Raptors vs. Milwaukee Bucks NBA Eastern Conference Finals Playoff Predictions

The Raptors are going to be kicking themselves coming into game two. At multiple points in the series opener they had big leads only to squander them away. Overall it was an entertaining game and the home/favorite won, so not a shock. I think the thing we learned the most is that this is going to be a series of runs. When the shots are falling teams will build nice leads but every team has cold stretches too. From Toronto’s perspective some positives were that they got some production from their bench and Kyle Lowry was awesome. Also, their defense on Giannis was good. Milwaukee got a monster game from Lopez and overall was solid but I don’t think they played great. In fact both teams can say they had their moments but hardly a complete game. I like Toronto to bounce back in this spot even though they are on the road. I think they can keep it close and maybe play out the final minutes a little better. That is where the value is. Take Toronto.

The Raptors finally got their first win of the series and they needed double overtime to get it. I am not sure it was a great game but it is hard to complain when you get a couple of extra periods. The fouls really piled up on some key players and you wonder if the whistle might be a little looser this time around and who that helps. Giannis was not much of a factor in this one as they did get a good job forcing him to pass rather than get easy baskets. Plus there was more than one occasion where they got him on steps and got him thinking. For Toronto Kawhi Leonard was once again dominant. He never looks like he is going at full speed but he is just so strong and able to get where he wants on the floor. Losing Kyle Lowry and Norm Powell to fouls could have cost the Raptors dearly but they were able to pull it out and now have some momentum for game four. Which they still desperately need. This game could go any which way but I am sticking with the home team.

Well we definitely have a series now. Toronto got a total team effort and took care of business at home in game four, winning easily to tie the series at 2. Now back to Milwaukee where I like the visitors chances a lot, primarily because they have been effective at bottling up Giannis. Sure he and the rest of the gang are likely better at home but they have now lost more games this week than they did through two series and have to be sweating a little. I am not sure Giannis, for all his talent, has the makeup to let the game come to him and play more under control.  He is the one that sets the tone and has to make the plays including shooting better at the free throw line. For Toronto, games three and four reset some of the depth they were hoping for. Those guys off the bench are going to be playing with confidence which is key. Take Toronto to keep winning.

The Raptors are this close to advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. They upset Milwaukee on the road, claiming a third straight win against a team that did not lose three straight all season long. The formula was pretty simple, frustrate Giannis and dare the rest of the team to step up. Guys like Eric Bledsoe and Malcolm Brogdon had their moments but it was not enough. Also, that Kawhi Leonard guy is pretty good too. Now the series comes back to Toronto and Scotiabank Arena will be rocking. The Raptors should put this thing away as their secondary players have shown that they are much more comfortable at home. Danny Green was a no show in G5 but odds are he knocks down a couple of shots.  Toronto is a small favorite which means there is still some value on that money line. Toronto wins and advances and then who knows that happens. They will get to start the Finals at home.