Game Preview: Bucks v Raptors

The Milwaukee Bucks host the Toronto Raptors in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference
first-round playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center on Thursday. The Raptors (3-2)
looked to be in big trouble after a terrible Game 1 in which they scored just 83
points in a home defeat, but they’ve bounced back nicely by winning three of
their last four games. What’s really carried this Toronto team is their defense,
as they are allowing under 85 points per game in their last two victories.
That’s something they need to continue to do, as their elite offense from the
regular season has yet to find its form in these playoffs. Norman Powell has
been a huge spark in these last two wins though, as he’s accumulated 37 points,
eight rebounds and eight assists in a starting role. That’s a third weapon that
the Raptors have desperately needed for quite some time and it’s a great sign to
see one emerge in the postseason. The Bucks (2-3) offense has really been
struggling in these playoffs, as they’ve yet to surpass 104 points in any of
their five games. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the only guy who seems to be playing
consistently and they need more from their role players if they are to escape
this series. That means Greg Monroe, Malcolm Brogdon and Khris Middleton all
need to step up, as they are plenty capable of being offensive threats in this
series. It’s going to take two wins in a row to get into the second-round though
and that’s a tall task from a team who barely finished above .500. Despite the
fact that the home team won all four regular season meetings between these
teams, the home teams are just 3-2 in this series. The two games in Milwaukee
were defensive battles in this series as well, as the losing teams failed to
crack 77 points with them splitting both games.