Bucks vs. Raptors (6 p.m. ET, NBA TV)
Strong Start
After wins over Indiana and Boston, Toronto looks to start the season 3-0 for the first time since 2008-09. The Raptors have averaged 109.5 points over their first two games with 3-pointers leading the way. Toronto has knocked down 40.9 percent (18-for-44) of its looks from deep (second best in the NBA) and looks to keep that going against a Bucks squad that has allowed a league-worst 47.7 percent from beyond the arc to start the season. Will this trend continue tonight?
Looking For A Win
As Toronto eyes perfection, Milwaukee simply eyes a win. The Bucks have struggled defensively in their first two games, allowing an average of 120 points (third-worst in the league) on 47.8 percent shooting. Milwaukee currently ranks last in defensive rating after finishing second last season. The return of Giannis Antetokounmpo helped on Friday, but it wasn’t enough for the Bucks to hold off the Wizards. Milwaukee has not been 0-3 since it lost five straight to start the 1976-77 season. This is the longest streak in NBA history of consecutive seasons without starting 0-3.
Getting To The Line
DeMar DeRozan is averaging a career-high 24 points to start 2015-16 and it has a lot to do with his ability to get to the free throw line. DeRozan is tied for first in free throws made (22) and second in free throws attempted (30) through two games this season. Overall, the Raptors rank second in the league in fouls drawn with 29. Will DeRozan and the Raptors be able to continue this trend against plus-defender Khris Middleton and the Bucks tonight?
Moose And The Greek
Greg Monroe has been strong for Milwaukee amidst its early-season struggles. He looks to tally his third-straight game with 22-plus points, a feat no Bucks player accomplished all of last season. Milwaukee will look towards Monroe early and often as it attempts to slow down the fast-paced Raptors. Antetokounmpo will also look to guide Milwaukee as he tries to build upon his 27-point season debut on Friday night.
Vasquez Returns
Greivis Vasquez heads back to Toronto where he spent the last season and a half before being traded to Milwaukee this summer. Vasquez averaged 9.5 points and 3.7 assists in 24.3 minutes off the bench for the Raptors in 2014-15. He may have something to prove to his former teammates tonight as he leads the Bucks’ second-unit.
—
NBA.com staff reports
