NBA Playoff Pick- Milwaukee Bucks vs Toronto Raptors
Crucial Game 5 with Series Tied
Our Milwaukee Bucks vs Toronto Raptors pick for May 23, 2019 has the Bucks favored. This game 5 is on the Milwaukee Bucks home court, which could be significant, as each team has won two games at home. With the Eastern Conference Finals shifting back to Milwaukee, the Bucks have a definite advantage. Tonight’s game tips off at 8:30 pm ET. Whoever takes this contest will have a decided advantage.
At home, Milwaukee took the first game 108-100. In the second contest, they dominated the Raptors 125-103. When the NBA Eastern Conference Finals shifted to Toronto, the Raptors took down the first game in OT 118-112. In the fourth game, where Toronto tied up the series, the Raptors won by a wide margin, 120-102. This Milwaukee Bucks vs Toronto Raptors pick has the Bucks at -7.0.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Toronto Raptors Pick – Stats
Toronto is at a deficit when it comes to scoring, as they’re averaging 105.3 PPG and the Bucks have been good for 115.3 PPG. That gives the Bucks a clear 10-point advantage. Milwaukee is also tops in rebounding (52.6 RPG-42.9 RPG) and assists (25.4 APG-22.8 APG). On defense, the Raptors are averaging one more block per game than the Bucks. On the other hand, Milwaukee is +2.1 in steals per game.
The one shooting category where’s there is a big disparity in terms of completion percentages has to do with free throws. The Raptors are hitting 82.4% of their frees, while the Bucks are good on just 73.0%. However, because Milwaukee is taking 28.5 frees per game and Toronto 21.7, the Bucks are actually averaging more PPG from the foul line. The lead in that area, 20.8 to 17.9. In all other shooting areas, the teams are fairly even in attempts and successful shots.
Milwaukee vs Toronto – Players
Raptors SF Kawhi Leonard is key to this team’s success. Leonard is averaging 31.2 PPG and 8.4 RPG. Contributions by the other two guys in the paint, PF Pascal Siakam and center Marc Gasol, have been important. In the playoffs, Siakam has been good for 19.0 PPG and 6.8 RPG. Gasol has been taking down 6.3 RPG while scoring 9.0 PPG. Upfront backups include center Serge Ibaka and SF Norman Powell. Each are good for about 8.5 PPG. PG Kyle Lowry is averaging 6.4 APG while scoring 14.4 PPG.
The Bucks are also strong under the rim. PF Giannis Antetokounmpo is always a double-double threat. He’s averaging 26.0 PPG and 12.8 RPG. SF Khris Middleton is second in scoring with 18.0 PPG, while center Brook Lopez and power forward Nikola Mirotic are each averaging a little over 10 PPG. Point guard Eric Bledsoe, Malcolm Brogdon, and George Hill are each averaging over 11 PPG. The top players in assists, with between four and five each per game, are Bledsoe, Antetokounmpo, and Middleton. This is a squad that is nicely coordinated.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Toronto Raptors Pick – Final Word
In our Milwaukee Bucks vs Toronto Raptors pick, we find that the Bucks have a real advantage when it comes to the number of times they go to the foul line and a solid edge in scoring and rebounding. Plus, they have a true home court advantage. Overall, both teams have starters who can get the job done, as well as solid backups. But the Raptors may be relying on Leonard a bit too much. He cannot carry the Raptors completely. Both teams are extremely competitive in the paint but we feel that Milwaukee has an edge on the outsideOur pick for today’s game is the Bucks at -7.0.
Summary Spread Pick – Milwaukee Bucks vs Toronto Raptors
