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Milwaukee Bucks @ Toronto Raptors: Game 5 playoff preview

By Adam Stocker

Mar 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward PJ Tucker (2) and forward Patrick Patterson (54) celebrate a play by center Jonas Valanciunas (17) against the Indiana Pacers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Indiana 111-100. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward PJ Tucker (2) and forward Patrick Patterson (54) celebrate a play by center Jonas Valanciunas (17) against the Indiana Pacers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Indiana 111-100. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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After winning game 4 of the series, the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors return to the Air Canada Centre for game 5 of their series on Monday, April 24.

The Toronto Raptors return to the Air Canada Centre after splitting both games in Milwaukee. In game 3, the Bucks dominated the Raptors, but in game 4 Toronto responded with a much-needed win.

Head coach Dwane Casey made a tactical change in his starting lineup. Norman Powell moved into the starting lineup as the Raptors went smaller. Jonas Valanciunas moved to the bench and Serge Ibaka shifted to center. The Raptors became faster, which allowed them to better guard the Bucks’ trio of Tony Snell, Kris Middleton, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Ibaka guarded Bucks’ center Thon Maker, not one of the Bucks’ wings. The limited offensive ability of Maker permitted the Raptors to have Ibaka help more on defense and gave them a better wing matchup with Powell on the court.

Apr 22, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dunks during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dunks during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Makin’ it work

Both Powell and Valanciunas responded following the lineup change. Powell scored 12 points in game 4 and added four rebounds and four assists. Valanciunas scored all 12 of the Raptors’ bench points. Despite coming off the bench, Valanciunas played a similar number of minutes as he had in the first three games. The Lithuanian big man was a perfect five for five from the floor but did have four turnovers.

Despite not scoring a point, P.J. Tucker was one of Toronto’s most valuable players in the second half. The Texas alum held Antetokounmpo to just two points. The Bucks’ forward scored both of his points from the free throw line and did not get a field goal in the half. If the Raptors are going to win game 5, they need Tucker to continue to physically frustrate Antetokounmpo and prevent him from getting easy baskets.

Next: Kyle Lowry sign and trade?

How, When and Where to Watch:

Date: Monday, April 24
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Venue: Air Canada Centre
TV and Radio Info: TSN – TSN Radio
Live Stream: TSN GO

Three Keys to Victory:

  1. Toronto needs P.J. Tucker to continue shutting down Giannis Antetokounmpo. If the Raptors are going to win they need to prevent the Greek Freak from getting to the basket. Tucker needs to be physical and frustrate the Bucks’ superstar.
  2. Rebound the basketball. In game 3, the Bucks recorded 13 offensive rebounds. If the Raptors are going to win game 5, they need to do a better job keeping Greg Monroe and the Bucks off the offensive boards. Toronto can not allow Milwaukee to extend possessions and get second chance baskets.
  3. A secondary option needs to step up. For the Raptors to win game 5, they need one of their secondary offensive options to produce. DeRozan and Lowry will get the majority of offensive looks, but when given the chance, Valanciunas, Ibaka or Powell must provide a solid offensive contribution. In game 4, the trio combined for 34 points.
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