The Toronto Raptors on Wednesday get their first look this season at two-time reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks are favoured on the NBA odds in Tampa, Fla.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Bucks were one of the huge winners of the NBA offseason because they were able to sign the Greek Freak to long-term contract extension as well as swing a trade for former New Orleans Pelicans All-Star guard Jrue Holiday. Milwaukee led the NBA in wins the past two regular seasons but came up short in the playoffs both times – of course, losing in six games in the 2019 East Finals to Toronto.
While the Bucks are still a very good team, they are no longer the club to beat in the East after Brooklyn traded for James Harden recently, adding the three-time scoring champion and former MVP to Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The Bucks have failed their two biggest tests thus far with losses to the Nets and the defending champion Lakers.
Last season, the Bucks won two of three vs. Toronto. Giannis averaged typically absurd numbers of 27.5 points, 17.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 3.5 blocks. Khris Middleton put up 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Kyle Lowry averaged 23.0 points and 6.0 assists, and Pascal Siakam 17.3 points and 6.0 rebounds.
Milwaukee has covered the spread in seven of the past 10 regular-season meetings.
Milwaukee Bucks
After having a game last Friday vs. Washington postponed due to COVID issues on the Wizards, Brooklyn ended a two-game slide with a 129-115 home win over Atlanta on Sunday – the Bucks lead the NBA in scoring at 120.1 ppg. Antetokounmpo had 27 points (including one of the better dunks this season), 14 rebounds and eight assists. Fellow All-Star Khris Middleton had 19 points and Bobby Portis 21 off the bench.
Middleton is having a career season in averaging 21.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists. He’s on track to post a rare 50/40/90 season in terms of overall field-goal percentage (52.2), three-point percentage (42.6) and free-throw percentage (92.0). That has only been done a handful of times in league history.
Toronto Raptors
The Dinos weren’t able to get the two-game sweep at Indiana on Monday, losing 129-114 and playing a second straight game without Siakam due to swelling in his left knee. Needless to say, that’s something to monitor. Lowry returned from a one-game injury absence (toe) but was held to 12 points on 2-for-11 shooting. He needs two points to join DeMar DeRozan (13,296) and Chris Bosh (10,275) as the only players in franchise history to score 10,000 career points.
Norman Powell started over Stanley Johnson (who had started Sunday for Siakam) and had 24 points, six rebounds and six assists. OG Anunoby went to the locker room to be checked for a concussion after getting hit in the mouth but was able to return. Toronto actually led by two with just under 10 minutes left, but it was all Pacers after that. Toronto is 5-5 ATS in its past 10 as an underdog.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Bucks vs. Raptors?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 27 Jan 2:46pm | MIL | -6.5 -110 | O +226.5 -110 |
| Closing 27 Jan 4:57pm | MIL | -7 -110 | O +229.5 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Bucks Team Leaders
| Points |
28.15 |
| Assists |
6.05 |
| Rebounds |
11 |
| FG% |
62.5 |
| Steals |
1.63 |
| Blocks |
1.47 |
| Points |
21.36 |
| Assists |
7.35 |
| Rebounds |
7.58 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
1.67 |
| Blocks |
1.85 |
| Points |
30.19 |
| Assists |
8.65 |
| Rebounds |
12.81 |
| FG% |
60 |
| Steals |
1.65 |
| Blocks |
1.48 |
| Points | |
| Assists | |
| Rebounds | Did not qualify |
| FG% | |
| Steals | |
| Blocks |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Raptors Team Leaders
| Points |
28.15 |
| Assists |
6.05 |
| Rebounds |
11 |
| FG% |
62.5 |
| Steals |
1.63 |
| Blocks |
1.47 |
| Points |
21.36 |
| Assists |
7.35 |
| Rebounds |
7.58 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
1.67 |
| Blocks |
1.85 |
| Points |
30.19 |
| Assists |
8.65 |
| Rebounds |
12.81 |
| FG% |
60 |
| Steals |
1.65 |
| Blocks |
1.48 |
| Points | |
| Assists | |
| Rebounds | Did not qualify |
| FG% | |
| Steals | |
| Blocks |
Injuries
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF)
Sam Merrill (PG)
Sam Merrill (PG)
Jordan Nwora (PF)
Donte DiVincenzo (SG)
Jeff Teague (PG)
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF)
Khris Middleton (SF)
P.J. Tucker (SF)
Khris Middleton (SF)
Kyle Lowry (PG)
Fred VanVleet (PG)
Kyle Lowry (PG)
Fred VanVleet (PG)
Jalen Harris (PG)
Yuta Watanabe (SG)
Chris Boucher (PF)
Kyle Lowry (PG)
Fred VanVleet (PG)
Kyle Lowry (PG)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF) | Out indefinitely | Illness - 17 / 07 / 21 | 2-0 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Antetokounmpo is going through the league's health and safety protocols, and he will miss an undetermined length of time. |
|||||
| Sam Merrill (PG) | Ques Tues | Ankle - 17 / 07 / 21 | 2-0 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Merrill has a sprained right ankle and is questionable for Game 6 of the NBA Final. |
|||||
| Sam Merrill (PG) | Ques Sun | Ankle - 09 / 06 / 21 | 10-7 | 7-8-2 | + - |
|
Merrill is dealing with a right ankle sprain, and it is unknown if he will be in the lineup for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference second round versus the Nets. |
|||||
| Jordan Nwora (PF) | Ques Fri | Thigh - 07 / 06 / 21 | 10-8 | 7-9-2 | + - |
|
Nwora is bothered by a left thigh contusion, and it is unclear if he will partake in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals versus the Hawks. |
|||||
| Donte DiVincenzo (SG) | out for season | Foot - 28 / 05 / 21 | 12-8 | 8-10-2 | + - |
|
DiVincenzo suffered a tendon injury in his left foot and will miss the remainder of the season. |
|||||
| Jeff Teague (PG) | Ques Thurs | Knee - 21 / 05 / 21 | 13-10 | 10-11-2 | + - |
|
Teague is nursing a sore left knee, and it is unknown if he will dress for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat. |
|||||
| Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF) | Mid June | Knee - 17 / 05 / 21 | 14-10 | 10-12-2 | + - |
|
Antetokounmpo is battling right patella tendon soreness, and it is anticipated that he will be out until the middle of June. |
|||||
| Khris Middleton (SF) | Ques Sat | Ankle - 16 / 05 / 21 | 14-10 | 10-12-2 | + - |
|
Middleton is dealing with left ankle soreness, and it is unclear if he will take the court against the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| P.J. Tucker (SF) | Prob Fri | Neck - 06 / 05 / 21 | 14-15 | 14-13-2 | + - |
|
Tucker exited the previous contest with a neck and jaw injury, but it is projected that he will dress for Friday's clash with the Rockets. |
|||||
| Khris Middleton (SF) | Prob Fri | Knee - 05 / 05 / 21 | 15-15 | 14-14-2 | + - |
|
Middleton missed the last game with right knee soreness, but it is likely that he will take on the Rockets on Friday. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Lowry (PG) | Out Sun | Rest - 15 / 05 / 21 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Lowry will be absent from the starting lineup for Sunday's showdown with the Pacers as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| Fred VanVleet (PG) | Out Sun | Rest - 15 / 05 / 21 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
VanVleet will not line up against the Pacers on Sunday as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
| Kyle Lowry (PG) | Out Fri | Rest - 14 / 05 / 21 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Lowry will be absent from the starting lineup for Friday's showdown with the Mavericks as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| Fred VanVleet (PG) | Out Fri | Rest - 14 / 05 / 21 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
VanVleet will not line up against the Mavericks on Friday as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
| Jalen Harris (PG) | Doub Fri | Foot - 14 / 05 / 21 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Harris is nursing a foot injury, and he is not expected to dress for Friday's tilt with the Mavericks. |
|||||
| Yuta Watanabe (SG) | Ques Sun | Ankle - 13 / 05 / 21 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Watanabe was held out of the previous game with a foot injury, and it is undetermined if he will face the Pacers on Sunday. |
|||||
| Chris Boucher (PF) | Ques Fri | Rest - 12 / 05 / 21 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Boucher missed the last game due to a left knee injury, and it is unknown if he will participate in Friday's contest with the Mavericks. |
|||||
| Kyle Lowry (PG) | Out Thurs | Rest - 12 / 05 / 21 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Lowry will be absent from the starting lineup for Thursday's showdown with the Bulls as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| Fred VanVleet (PG) | Out Thurs | Rest - 12 / 05 / 21 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
|
VanVleet will not line up against the Bulls on Thursday as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
| Kyle Lowry (PG) | Out Tues | Rest - 10 / 05 / 21 | 1-3 | 1-3 | + - |
|
Lowry will not be in the lineup against the Clippers on Tuesday, as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 27 Jan 2:46pm MIL -6.5 -110 O +226.5 -110 Closing 27 Jan 4:57pm MIL -7 -110 O +229.5 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Bucks Team Leaders
Points 28.15
Assists 6.05
Rebounds 11
FG% 62.5
Steals 1.63
Blocks 1.47
Points 21.36
Assists 7.35
Rebounds 7.58
FG% 100
Steals 1.67
Blocks 1.85
Points 30.19
Assists 8.65
Rebounds 12.81
FG% 60
Steals 1.65
Blocks 1.48
Points Assists Rebounds Did not qualify FG% Steals Blocks -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Raptors Team Leaders
Points 28.15
Assists 6.05
Rebounds 11
FG% 62.5
Steals 1.63
Blocks 1.47
Points 21.36
Assists 7.35
Rebounds 7.58
FG% 100
Steals 1.67
Blocks 1.85
Points 30.19
Assists 8.65
Rebounds 12.81
FG% 60
Steals 1.65
Blocks 1.48
Points Assists Rebounds Did not qualify FG% Steals Blocks -
Injuries
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF)
Out indefinitely Illness - 17 / 07 / 21Sam Merrill (PG)
Ques Tues Ankle - 17 / 07 / 21Sam Merrill (PG)
Ques Sun Ankle - 09 / 06 / 21Jordan Nwora (PF)
Ques Fri Thigh - 07 / 06 / 21Donte DiVincenzo (SG)
out for season Foot - 28 / 05 / 21Jeff Teague (PG)
Ques Thurs Knee - 21 / 05 / 21Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF)
Mid June Knee - 17 / 05 / 21Khris Middleton (SF)
Ques Sat Ankle - 16 / 05 / 21P.J. Tucker (SF)
Prob Fri Neck - 06 / 05 / 21Khris Middleton (SF)
Prob Fri Knee - 05 / 05 / 21Kyle Lowry (PG)
Out Sun Rest - 15 / 05 / 21Fred VanVleet (PG)
Out Sun Rest - 15 / 05 / 21Kyle Lowry (PG)
Out Fri Rest - 14 / 05 / 21Fred VanVleet (PG)
Out Fri Rest - 14 / 05 / 21Jalen Harris (PG)
Doub Fri Foot - 14 / 05 / 21Yuta Watanabe (SG)
Ques Sun Ankle - 13 / 05 / 21Chris Boucher (PF)
Ques Fri Rest - 12 / 05 / 21Kyle Lowry (PG)
Out Thurs Rest - 12 / 05 / 21Fred VanVleet (PG)
Out Thurs Rest - 12 / 05 / 21Kyle Lowry (PG)
Out Tues Rest - 10 / 05 / 21Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF) Out indefinitely Illness - 17 / 07 / 21 2-0 1-1 + - Antetokounmpo is going through the league's health and safety protocols, and he will miss an undetermined length of time.
Sam Merrill (PG) Ques Tues Ankle - 17 / 07 / 21 2-0 1-1 + - Merrill has a sprained right ankle and is questionable for Game 6 of the NBA Final.
Sam Merrill (PG) Ques Sun Ankle - 09 / 06 / 21 10-7 7-8-2 + - Merrill is dealing with a right ankle sprain, and it is unknown if he will be in the lineup for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference second round versus the Nets.
Jordan Nwora (PF) Ques Fri Thigh - 07 / 06 / 21 10-8 7-9-2 + - Nwora is bothered by a left thigh contusion, and it is unclear if he will partake in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals versus the Hawks.
Donte DiVincenzo (SG) out for season Foot - 28 / 05 / 21 12-8 8-10-2 + - DiVincenzo suffered a tendon injury in his left foot and will miss the remainder of the season.
Jeff Teague (PG) Ques Thurs Knee - 21 / 05 / 21 13-10 10-11-2 + - Teague is nursing a sore left knee, and it is unknown if he will dress for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Heat.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (SF) Mid June Knee - 17 / 05 / 21 14-10 10-12-2 + - Antetokounmpo is battling right patella tendon soreness, and it is anticipated that he will be out until the middle of June.
Khris Middleton (SF) Ques Sat Ankle - 16 / 05 / 21 14-10 10-12-2 + - Middleton is dealing with left ankle soreness, and it is unclear if he will take the court against the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
P.J. Tucker (SF) Prob Fri Neck - 06 / 05 / 21 14-15 14-13-2 + - Tucker exited the previous contest with a neck and jaw injury, but it is projected that he will dress for Friday's clash with the Rockets.
Khris Middleton (SF) Prob Fri Knee - 05 / 05 / 21 15-15 14-14-2 + - Middleton missed the last game with right knee soreness, but it is likely that he will take on the Rockets on Friday.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Kyle Lowry (PG) Out Sun Rest - 15 / 05 / 21 1-1 1-1 + - Lowry will be absent from the starting lineup for Sunday's showdown with the Pacers as he will receive a day of rest.
Fred VanVleet (PG) Out Sun Rest - 15 / 05 / 21 1-1 1-1 + - VanVleet will not line up against the Pacers on Sunday as he will be given a day of rest.
Kyle Lowry (PG) Out Fri Rest - 14 / 05 / 21 1-1 1-1 + - Lowry will be absent from the starting lineup for Friday's showdown with the Mavericks as he will receive a day of rest.
Fred VanVleet (PG) Out Fri Rest - 14 / 05 / 21 1-1 1-1 + - VanVleet will not line up against the Mavericks on Friday as he will be given a day of rest.
Jalen Harris (PG) Doub Fri Foot - 14 / 05 / 21 1-1 1-1 + - Harris is nursing a foot injury, and he is not expected to dress for Friday's tilt with the Mavericks.
Yuta Watanabe (SG) Ques Sun Ankle - 13 / 05 / 21 1-2 1-2 + - Watanabe was held out of the previous game with a foot injury, and it is undetermined if he will face the Pacers on Sunday.
Chris Boucher (PF) Ques Fri Rest - 12 / 05 / 21 1-2 1-2 + - Boucher missed the last game due to a left knee injury, and it is unknown if he will participate in Friday's contest with the Mavericks.
Kyle Lowry (PG) Out Thurs Rest - 12 / 05 / 21 1-2 1-2 + - Lowry will be absent from the starting lineup for Thursday's showdown with the Bulls as he will receive a day of rest.
Fred VanVleet (PG) Out Thurs Rest - 12 / 05 / 21 1-2 1-2 + - VanVleet will not line up against the Bulls on Thursday as he will be given a day of rest.
Kyle Lowry (PG) Out Tues Rest - 10 / 05 / 21 1-3 1-3 + - Lowry will not be in the lineup against the Clippers on Tuesday, as he will be given a day of rest.