Raptors Playoff opponents: Part 1 of 5 – Bucks
By Sahal Abdi
NOTE: THIS IS PART ONE OF A FIVE-PART SERIES OUTLINING EACH 1ST-ROUND PLAYOFF OPPONENT OF THE RAPTORS. EACH PART WILL BE RELEASED OVER A SPAN OF FIVE DAYS.
If you have not read the series’ introduction, please start there:
Related Story: Assessing the Raptors' potential first-round playoff matchups
My Eastern Conference seed projection: 5
My reasoning for this prediction is simply because the Bucks are budding at the perfect time. Led by superhuman Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of his long-armed friends, Milwaukee is finding their stride late in the season.
Last 10 W/L record: 7-3
In the East, standings have changed almost nightly this past month or so. Milwaukee has been on a tear as of late, compiling an impressive ‘Last 10’ record. The oft-used word in sports — ‘momentum’ is a phenomenon that’s extremely difficult to scientifically measure. You can call it whatever you want. The Bucks have it.
Regular season record vs. TOR: Raptors lead 3-1
In truth, Toronto has had no problem laying beatings on the young Bucks this season. The Raptors have won games versus Milwaukee this season by an average of 14.6 points. On the other hand, the only loss came on March 4th. This date is important because the Bucks record since that date has been a red-hot 13-4.
Best player and X-factor
Best Player: Giannis Antetokounmpo
……….
That, up there has been me trying to find adjectives for the Greek Freak for the last 2-3 minutes. None of them are worthy. A ‘Most Improved Player of the Year’ candidate, Antetokounmpo has been one of the incredible stories of the NBA season. He’s transformed into a bona-fide superstar, earning his first All-Star berth this season (and he was starting). Moreover, he’s been the Bucks leader, franchise player and has revitalized the Milwaukee fan base.
X-Factor: Malcolm Brogdon
There’s a ton of justified players I could have slotted here (Maker, Middleton, Beasley) but Brogdon fits the bill perfectly. Hailing from the University of Virginia, Brogdon has brought his lunch-pail attitude to the NBA. The quiet, disciplined demeanour that Brogdon has brought to Milwaukee is adored by Bucks fans. A superb on-ball defender with a developing offensive game, he’s been tasked with guarding some of the league’s best guards on a daily basis. In fact, this kid may just walk away with the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
How the Bucks matchup vs. Toronto
TOR Projected Starting Lineup: Lowry, DeRozan, Carroll, Ibaka, Valanciunas
MIL Projected Starting Lineup: Dellavedova, Brogdon, Middleton, Antetokounmpo, Maker
I’ll put this out there before there are any misconceptions. A regular season record versus a team is exactly what it is.
Regular season.
Although the Raptors hold a 3-1 season series lead on the Bucks, that shouldn’t be what Raptors fans run to as a source of reassurance. Let’s not get carried away, the Raptors are clearly the better team in comparison to Milwaukee (even before the Tucker/Ibaka acquisitions). However, Raps fans know better than to overlook these Bucks.
During past meetings, Milwaukee has matched up Giannis on DeRozan almost exclusively throughout the game. This may change in the playoffs due to Middleton’s return from injury roughly two months ago. Middleton (like Antetokounmpo) is blessed with a pterodactyl-like wingspan which will undeniably slow down DeRozan.
On the other hand, DeMarre Carroll and PJ Tucker would see a ton of Antetokounmpo and Middleton.
The key for the Raptors is to:
- Limit the overall game impact from Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Be defensively diligent as the Bucks love to spread the floor and drive/kick (see: above photo)
- Attack the middle of that defense. Nobody on Milwaukee can handle a motivated Valanciunas (don’t forget Ibaka, either).
Next up tomorrow: The Atlanta Hawks.