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Bucks vs. Raptors prediction and odds for Wednesday, January 4 (Line says Giannis OUT)

By Reed Wallach

Dec 11, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) drives to the hoop past Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) in the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) drives to the hoop past Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) in the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Raptors are trying to get on track still, just 16-21 on the season, and have a stiff test in the Milwaukee Bucks at home, but can they get a positive scheduling spot?

The Bucks are fresh off a 123-113 win over the Washington Wizards behind a monster 55-point outing from Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP has been on the injury report of late with a sore knee, so can he get the night off on the second leg of a back-to-back?

Let’s check out the odds and break down what it means for this Wednesday night ESPN matchup:

Bucks vs. Raptors Odds, Spread and Total

Bucks vs. Raptors Prediction and Pick

This line indicates that Antetokounmpo is going to sit for Milwaukee on Wednesday, as the number has soared since opening with the Bucks as two-point road favorites. Don’t forget about other key rotation players like Khris Middleton, who has already been ruled out for what will be his 10th straight missed game. Jrue Holiday returned on Tuesday after missing three straight games with an illness, so his status is up in the air as of this writing as well.

So, the Bucks will be shorthanded, but can the Raptors take advantage? The team just got back Fred VanVleet from a back injury that cost him the two prior games as well as Precious Achiuwa, who has missed most of the season. The team is spiraling at the moment, losers of nine of their last 12 games, but this is the healthiest they have been all season.

While it seems grim for the Raptors long term, the team is right around league average in terms of net rating over the last two weeks, 18th according to Cleaning The Glass. 

Milwaukee has been carried by Antetokounmpo on offense with Middleton on the shelf and the team is lacking depth on the wing to create sound offense. Even when you factor in the big man’s 55-point performance, the Bucks are last in the NBA in terms of offensive efficiency over the last two weeks, per CTG.

You may want to wait for confirmation that Antetokounmpo is going to sit, but the line says all you need to know. Back the Raps at home.

Track all of Reed’s bets at Betstamp HERE!

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.