Milwaukee Bucks
Season Series: Raptors lead 2-0 (1 game remaining)
Best Player: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Watch Out For: Khris Middleton
This Raptors team is not the same as last year. They have made much-needed improvements on offense and defense. However, the Milwaukee Bucks have made some significant changes as well.
Assuming the Bucks make no moves before the trade deadline, they will likely have 2 players in the starting lineup that did not play in the Raptors vs Bucks playoff series last year, as well as a new head coach. According to multiple reports, they seem to be very active ahead of the trade deadline. The addition of Jabari Parker and Eric Bledsoe will be a difficult matchup for any playoff team as Milwaukee gets two players capable of scoring 20 points each to go along with Middleton and Giannis. Jabari Parker being added to the rotation would also help take away some of the scoring load from Middleton so he can preserve his energy to defend his likely matchup, DeMar DeRozan.
This Bucks team is built to defend with their length and kill teams with their transition offense. When the Bucks are not running on offense, they look lost. They either force a 3 pointer or let Giannis take it to the basket. Fortunately for Toronto, one of the changes they made was to increase their pace of play. Toronto should win in a potential playoff series due to their offense being that good and their bench depth having a larger role than last year. Much depends on if this Bucks team will be the same as it is once February 8th passes by, and how they cope with the dismissal of coach Jason Kidd.