Milwaukee Bucks vs Toronto Raptors preview and picks

For Thursday night’s Eastern Conference clash, the Milwaukee Bucks (14-8) are aiming to add to their eight-game winning streak this season versus the Toronto Raptors (9-13). Can Fred VanVleet and the Raptors end their three-game skid by defeating the Bucks?

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors news

Heading into tonight’s intraconference matchup, the Bucks are 10-11 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA season, while the Raptors are 8-14 against the spread. This game airs live at 7:30 p.m. ET via Bally Sports North, Bally Sports Wisconsin, NBA League Pass and TSN. According to Land of Basketball’s database, based on 95 regular season games played all-time, Milwaukee is 54-41 versus Toronto. Notwithstanding the Bucks’ winning record, they are 3-7 against the Raptors in the last 10 head-to-head meetings. On Feb. 18, 2021, the last time these teams met, Toronto won 110-96.

After the Bucks defeated the Hornets 127-125 on Wednesday night, head coach Mike Budenholzer was asked about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s game-winning layup. “I mean, that’s a hell of a finish. He’s just so talented,” replied Coach Budenholzer. “And he does so much around the rim. The dunks and everything get a lot of attention and probably for good reason, but I think [that’s] his ability to use the glass and his ability to play fast.” The Bucks are now focusing on extending their winning streak against the Raptors.

Budenholzer, on the shot: “I mean, that’s a hell of a finish. He’s just so talented. And he does so much around the rim. The dunks and everything get a lot of attention and probably for good reason, but I think (that’s) his ability to use the glass and his ability to play fast.”

— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) December 2, 2021

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors betting lines and odds

Sportsbook: BetUS

Over/Under: 215

Point spread: Bucks -4.5 (-110)

Best moneyline: Bucks -175, Raptors +155

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors injury report

Bucks: C Brook Lopez (out indefinitely) | PF Semi Ojeleye (questionable) | SG Donte DiVincenzo (out indefinitely)

Raptors: PG Goran Dragic (out indefinitely) | SF OG Anunoby (out) | C Khem Birch (out) | SG Gary Trent Jr. (questionable)

Gary Trent Jr. returned to practice today. Still no Anunoby or Birch.

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) December 1, 2021

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors preview

Additionally, in the Bucks’ high-scoring, 127-125 win over the Hornets on Wednesday, forward Giannis Antetokounmpo added another double-double to his career total. The Greek Freak closed out his showing with 40 points, 12 rebounds and 9.0 assists in 38 minutes on the court. Forward Khris Middleton had 21 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 33 minutes, too.

On top of the Bucks outscoring the Hornets 52 to 38 in the paint, they out-rebounded them 45 to 36. Plus, Milwaukee had to overcome a 16-point deficit after the first quarter. They shot 46-for-94 (48.9%) from the floor and 14-for-36 (38.9%) from behind the arc. After this victory, Milwaukee is 7-4 at home, 7-4 away and 7-4 ATS on the road this season.

As for the Raptors, on Tuesday, in their 98-91 home loss against the Grizzlies, forward Pascal Siakim scored a team-high 20 points in 30 minutes on the court. Rookie forward Scottie Barnes ended his performance with 19 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 38 minutes of action. In the opening quarter, the Grizzlies outscored them 27 to 18.

In addition to Memphis out-rebounding Toronto 54 to 44, the Raptors surrendered 44 points in the paint. Both teams had numerous missed shot attempts. Toronto shot 36-for-91 (39.6%) from the field and 10-for-39 (25.6%) from three-point range. Following this loss, the team is now on a three-game losing streak. They are 2-8 at home, 7-5 away and 1-9 ATS at home this season.

Projected starting lineup

Bucks: PG Jrue Holiday | SG Grayson Allen | SF Khris Middleton | PF Giannis Antetokounmpo | C Bobby Portis

Raptors: PG Fred VanVleet| SG Svi Mykhailiuk | SF Scottie Barnes | PF Pascal Siakim | C Precious Achiuwa

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors prediction

Moreover, the total for tonight’s game is set at 215. Referencing the spread consensus, around 52% of bettors are expecting the Bucks to cover the spread at Scotiabank Arena. Concerning the point total consensus, approximately 62% of gamblers are expecting the total to go over 215. Until now, Milwaukee is 13-4 as a favorite, 1-4 as an underdog and 7-4 ATS away, while Toronto is 2-4 as a favorite, 7-9 as an underdog and 1-9 ATS at home.

For interesting betting trends, the Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their past five performances. Next, the total has gone under in 13 of the team’s last 19 contests. Not to mention, they are 3-7 ATS in their previous 10 games played versus Toronto. Lastly, Milwaukee is 5-0 straight up in the team’s past five matches against Eastern Conference opponents, and the total has gone under in 11 of their last 15 contests versus Atlantic Division opponents.

On the other side, the Raptors are 1-4 ATS in their previous five performances this season. Also, the total has gone over in seven of Toronto’s last 14 contests. And, the team is 0-6 ATS in their past six games played at Scotiabank. Next, the total has gone under in five of the Raptors’ previous seven matches when playing the Bucks in Toronto. Taking everything under consideration, think about picking the Bucks to win and cover the spread.