Game #37 Toronto Raptors 129 - Milwaukee Bucks 110

[007]

After an expected but still cathartic victory in Chicago, the Raptors head to Milwaukee to take on the team they beat in overtime just a few days ago. The Bucks bounced back from that loss, beating the Oladipo-less Pacers at home, and will surely be out for even more revenge tonight.


PROJECTED STARTERS






























KEYS TO THE GAME

Options: Last game against the Bucks it was the DeRozan (and Lowry) show, as the two of them combined for 78 points. It was an incredible performence for sure, but no one else scored more than 11 points (and Ibaka did it on 19 shots). The Bucks are sure to key in on the Raptors' two stars (especially DeMar) even more than usual, so making sure to get other guys going will be key.

Fire: Speaking of the other guys, the bench mob seems to have found their fire again. This was evident last game, where the bench (led by Delon and FVV) was the reason the Raptors were able to stay close. Delon especially had an incredible night, marking the second game in a row with a Raptor player's career-high. They've been a great surprise this season, can they keep rolling?

Ice: Unlike the bench, the starters (DeRozan aside) seemed to sleepwalk through the Bulls game, with even DeMar coming out of the gate cold. They'll need to really step up their game against a much better Milwaukee team, and if we can get a good game from both the starters and the bench (which seems to have been a rarity lately), this could be a convincing and statement-making victory.


LET'S GO RAPS!!!

[DanH]

Game day!

[Nilanka]

Milwaukee has had success with a more conservative defensive approach already this season, and more switching rather than trapping could certainly play to their advantage in disorienting Toronto. Considering the familiarity the two teams have at this point, there’s a lot that could be said for throwing something new at the Raptors.

Jason Kidd’s commitment to his blitzing scheme makes this an unlikely move, although it could be a game winner if he does make the adjustment.

One interesting wrinkle to watch out for will be the role of Tony Snell. In Monday’s overtime game, Snell played just 18 minutes, in large part due to some offensive struggles. That was particularly notable as under normal circumstances, he’d be the Buck who’d spend most of the game assigned on an elite scoring wing like DeRozan.

https://behindthebuckpass.com/2018/0...nto-raptors/2/

[consmap]

I hope it isn't as close as last game against the Bucks

[planetmars]

Should be a good one again.. the last game was a lot of fun. Being on the road is a lot tougher for sure, but I feel good about this one. A win and we become 8-7 against teams playing above .500.

[S.R.]

https://behindthebuckpass.com/2018/0...nto-raptors/2/

I don't think the Bucks blitzed/trapped last game much at all, but expect them to throw that at DeMar early this time around.

[Nilanka]

I don't think the Bucks blitzed/trapped last game much at all, but expect them to throw that at DeMar early this time around.

They did a few times towards the end of the game. On one occasion, DeRozan dribbled into a corner and turned it over. He found Lowry open for a 3 on another.

But ya, wasn't the same level as we saw in the playoffs.

[Mack North]

62?

[3inthekeon]

Vegas has us 1 point favourites, so basically a toss up.

[S.R.]

They did a few times towards the end of the game. On one occasion, DeRozan dribbled into a corner and turned it over. He found Lowry open for a 3 on another.

But ya, wasn't the same level as we saw in the playoffs.

Right, he found Ibaka cross court and Ibaka mistook the shotclock for NYE in Times Square.

Related thought: an underrated aspect of DeMar's athleticism is how much he can elevate to create space in almost any situation, off balance, through contact, etc. A lot of guys try to fade to create space on their shots, DeMar can almost always just jump higher than his defender.

[007]

62?

82?

[Demographic Shift]

62?

82?

What is .....Jason Kidds coaching IQ ?

[G__Deane]

I expect The Freak to get the benefit of every possible call tonight and any or all of JV/Ibaka and then Poeltl to get in early foul trouble.
They better be on their game ....

[Demographic Shift]

Toronto @ Milwaukee David Guthrie (#16) Mark Ayotte (#56) Pat Fraher (#26)

All guys have been in the league for 10 years or more...Hope Raps figure out which way the whistle is blowing early so to speak.... Going to be tough one tonight... The Bucks are good and they are at home....

[Mitch P]

Do we get Jack tonight? Compared to many local broadcasters out there Leo is just fine but.....Jack is a lot more fun; and tonight we might need it.