Who are the Toronto Raptors’ top 5 current rivals?
By Lee Tanner
The Milwaukee Bucks
The choice of the Bucks revolves around their potential, skill level, and a dash of playoff history.
The Bucks and Raptors have only faced off twice in playoff history. The first time was during the 2017 First Round where they went to Game 6 before the Raptors ended the series. The series brought some nail biters and some heated moments.
After finishing off the 2018-19 season we saw Milwaukee finishing at the top of the Eastern Conference. The Bucks took the season series 3 -1 over the Raptors leaving many to believe that they would have no trouble when they faced off in the playoffs.
The Bucks squashed opponents throughout the playoffs until the Eastern Conference Finals where the Raptors got the better of them in six games.
The addition of Robin Lopez during the offseason will throw in a few more sparks especially if you remember the few shots he and Serge Ibaka took at one another back in 2017 leading to both being ejected and suspended for one game.
The Bucks lost Malcolm Brogdon but they have replacements, such as George Hill and the newly added Wesley Matthews, that are ready to take his minutes.
With the loss of Leonard, it will be interesting to see how the Raptors will be able to handle one of the most dominant players in the league and the reigning MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the deep Bucks team.
The Bucks are definitely still one of the favorites in the East heading into the season with many believing that it could be Milwaukee’s time to be crowned champions. But Toronto fans can still expect for a great season series between the two teams.
Be sure to clear your schedule for the Raptors sixth game on November 2, 2019, in Milwaukee. It is sure to be an interesting match-up.