Fred VanVleet and the Toronto Raptors have bounced back nicely after a subpar West Coast road trip, winning three straight games at home in impressive fashion. The degree of difficulty will be kicked up a notch against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has this team operating at peak efficiency, making them as viable of a championship contender as any other team in the league. Toronto has had an issue with playing well against teams projected to make it to the postseason.
Considering how the team is going to be tired physically, the only way that an upset can happen is if all the stars rise up and play as well as the back of their basketball cards say they can play. Not doing so would be an easy way to bring the winning streak to an end.
Is Fred VanVleet playing vs. Bucks?
VanVleet is healthy and ready to go against Milwaukee. Playing a back-to-back against one of the best teams in the league is not going to be easy, so VanVleet must be at the top of his game, like he was against Oklahoma City.
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing vs. Raptors?
All signs point to Giannis suiting up and doing everything he can to extend Milwaukee’s lead over Boston in the Eastern Conference while bolstering his MVP case. As good as he is, Toronto’s win against Nikola Jokic and Denver should give them confidence.
Full Raptors injury report vs. Bucks:
Christian Koloko suffered a fractured nose against the Thunder, but all signs point to him playing in this one. Otto Porter Jr. remains out for the remainder of the season due to his foot troubles.
Full Bucks injury report vs. Raptors:
Jae Crowder and Raptors nemesis Goran Dragic have been ruled out due to calf and knee soreness, respectively. Both Grayson Allen and DPOY frontrunner Brook Lopez have injuries, but all signs point to both of them playing in this matchup.
The Bucks have submitted their injury report for Sunday's game vs. Toronto.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) March 18, 2023
OUT:
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (not with team)
Jae Crowder (left calf soreness)
Goran Dragic (left knee soreness)
Probable:
Grayson Allen (right plantar fascia soreness)
Brook Lopez (left ankle soreness)
Raptors upcoming schedule and opponents:
Toronto will face off against two Central teams in the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons next week.
March 22 vs. Indiana Pacers
March 24 vs. Detroit Pistons
March 26 vs. Washington Wizards
March 28 vs. Miami Heat