This week’s NBA action tips off Monday with a full slate of games, including a battle for Eastern Conference supremacy. The Toronto Raptors will meet the Milwaukee Bucks in what’s sure to be a playoff preview series for the East.
The Bucks have sputtered a little since the NBA’s return, and are only 2-3 in the bubble. Their 55-15 overall record is still the best in the league. The Raptors have not slowed down in their return, going 4-1 in the bubble, adding to their 50-19 record, just 4.5 games behind the Bucks.
Both of these teams likely wish they had more seeding games before the playoffs start. The Bucks, so they can get back in rhythm, and the Raptors, so they could take a run at the Bucks.
Just a few more games will have to do. Tip-off in this one is set for 6:05 ET on Monday evening.
Oh! Canada
Toronto came to Florida and isn’t playing any games, at least figuratively. The Lakers, Heat, Magic, and Grizzlies have fallen at the feet of the defending NBA champions. The Celtics have been the only team to hang with and beat the Raptors.
The Raptors are still being led by their veteran starting point guard, Kyle Lowry. However, it’s been another Raptors point guard doing much of the damage in the bubble. Fred VanVleet put up a career-high 36 points against the Heat last week and shows no signs of slowing down.
2 and 3 Isn’t Bad
A 2-3 record certainly isn’t what you expected out of the NBA’s best team upon return. NBA superstar and reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a tad off, and his teammates have not been able to compensate. They’re playing considerably worse than Antetokounmpo.
After playing the Raptors, the Bucks remaining two games are considerably easier. They are left to face the Wizards and the Grizzlies.
That being said, this team would love nothing more than winning out. After all, they’ve taken 20% of this season’s losses in the past week or so.
As if the Bucks could use worse news, Giannis himself comes into Monday questionable with a tooth issue. Outside of that, both teams are pretty clean on the injury report and are set to square off at 100%.
Changing the Tide
When it comes to the betting world, Monday’s matchup brings fans 2 of the top 6 teams in the league at covering the spread. The Raptors are 39-29-1 against the spread, and the Bucks are 38-32. That leaves bettors with several options for betting the game.
The Bucks are favored by -6, with a game total set at 227.5. Honestly, the way both teams have looked in the bubble makes the spread a bit surprising. For our purposes, though, it makes life a bit easier. The Raptors cover the +6 with ease.
This is another, “what is Vegas thinking?” type of pick. So get your money in, and put it on the Canadian team. Good luck.
