It will be a matchup between two outstanding offenses when the Toronto Raptors (21-6), 5.5-point favorites, clash against the Milwaukee Bucks (16-8) at Scotiabank Arena. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 229 points and it will air on NBATV at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 9, 2018.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Odds
Both teams lost as favorites in their last matchup. The Raptors (8.5-point favorites) were defeated by the Brooklyn Nets, 106-105, while the Bucks (2-point favorites) fell to the Golden State Warriors, 105-95. The Toronto game went 10 points under the projected point total of 221, while the Milwaukee game went 42 points under the projected point total of 242.
Milwaukee had a much better free throw rate (0.174 vs. 0.067) while Toronto did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (24-29; 82.8 percent). Kawhi Leonard played a key role for Toronto with 32 points. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for Milwaukee, recording 22 points, 15 rebounds and five assists.
In their first matchup this year, Ersan Ilyasova led the Bucks to a 124-109 victory. He notched a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. The two teams combined to put up 233 points, which was over the projected point total of 223, and Milwaukee covered as a 2-point underdog. Milwaukee launched 45 three pointers, making 19 of them (42.2 percent), while Toronto was just 9-45 (20.0 percent).
Matchups featuring the Bucks tend to finish over the total (62.5 percent). Milwaukee holds records of 16-8 straight up (SU) and 12-12 against the spread (ATS).
Much like Milwaukee, games including the Raptors also tend to finish over the projected point total (59.3 percent). Further, Toronto is 21-6 SU and 13-14 ATS.
Malcolm Brogdon has been exceptional as of late for Milwaukee, averaging 19 points,5.6 rebounds,4.2 assists over the last five games.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Toronto takes on the top-notch defense of Milwaukee. The Raptors rank third in offensive efficiency, while the Bucks are fourth in defensive efficiency.
Bucks vs. Raptors Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Bucks, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Raptors rank 5 in blocks allowed per game (4.555555555555555) while the Bucks rank 7 (4.625).
- Toronto averages 33.6 three pointers per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Milwaukee ranks 29th in three pointers allowed per game (36.1).
- The Bucks rank fourth in assists per game (26.9) while the Raptors rank 17th in assists allowed per game (24.1).
- Milwaukee averages 50.5 rebounds per game, which ranks first in the league. Toronto ranks 13th in rebounds allowed per game (44.5).
- Milwaukee ranks 1 in points allowed in the paint per game (41.5) while Toronto ranks 8 (46.51851851851852).
- The Bucks rank first in fast break points allowed per game (9.1) while the Raptors rank 17th (13.9).
- The Bucks rank 3 in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.958333333333334) while the Raptors rank 14 (16.88888888888889).
- Milwaukee ranks second in second chance points allowed per game (10.6) while Toronto ranks 17th (14.0).
- Toronto and Milwaukee are both 4-0 when they hold opponents under 100 points.
- In games where they reach the century mark, the Raptors are 20-6 and the Bucks are 16-7.
- Milwaukee is 3-6 ATS on the road, while Toronto is 6-8 ATS at home.
- In 9 road games, the Bucks have 6 overs and 3 unders.
- In 14 home games, the Raptors have 10 overs and 4 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Milwaukee and Toronto are both 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
- The Bucks\u2019 average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 9.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 111.6 points per game (4.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 107.4 points per game (0.6 below their season average).
