The Toronto Raptors pulled off a huge road performance in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, giving themselves the 3-2 series lead over the Milwaukee Bucks heading into Game 6. A win for the Raptors at home on Saturday would see them advance to the NBA Finals, while a Bucks win would stretch the series to a Game 7.
Toronto Raptors
Scotiabank Arena in Toronto is sure to be bumping for Game 6, as the Raptors will have a chance to advance to the NBA Finals. Behind the heroic performances of small forward Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors have clawed all the way back into this series, taking a 3-2 series lead with the first road win of this series in Game 5. Leonard put up 35 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists in Game 5 on Thursday, leading his team in scoring and assisting. If the Raptors are going to get the series-clinching win on Saturday, it will be on the back of Leonard. He’s put up 30.4 points per game in this series so far, and his defense on Giannis Antetokounmpo has been immense. Expect an All-star showdown between Giannis and Leonard in a huge Game 6 in Toronto on Saturday.
After losing back-to-back games opening the Eastern Conference Finals, Toronto have caught fire, winning three straight games against the Bucks. The Raptors were able to win away in the last game, forcing a must-win for the Bucks when they visit Toronto in Game 6. Toronto is 7-2 at home in the playoffs, going 4-1 in their last five games at home in the postseason.
Toronto Raptors Expected Starting Lineup
Kyle Lowry, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol
Toronto Raptors NBA Form
[table id=18 filter=”TOR” /]
Milwaukee Bucks
Things can change very quickly in the NBA. This is a fact that has been proven to the Bucks over the last few days. After jumping out to an ideal 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, Milwaukee has managed to drop the next three games, turning their trip to Toronto into a must-win excursion. MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo will have to show what he is made of, as Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard has taken this series over. Antetokounmpo has been contained in recent games, with the Greek Freak scoring just 20.3 points in the last three games in this series. This total is the lowest of any three-game streak in the postseason so far, indicating a dip in scoring production from the big man. Game 6 in Toronto represents the biggest game of his young career, making this matchup on Saturday a must-watch event.
The Bucks are out of form ahead of Game 6 in Toronto. After winning the first two games of this series, Milwaukee has lost lost the last three in a row, leading to the 2-3 series deficit. Milwaukee will have to get back to winning ways on the road if they want to extend this series to seven games. After starting the postseason 4-0 on the road, the Bucks have lost their last two games in Toronto, putting Milwaukee’s away record at 4-2 in the playoffs.
Milwaukee Bucks Expected Starting Lineup
Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Mirotic, Brook Lopez
Milwaukee Bucks NBA Form
[table id=18 filter=”MIL” /]
The Money Line
Here are how the odds to win the match look from the bookies ahead of the game.
Milwaukee Bucks to win @ 2.23 (123/100) with Unibet.
Toronto Raptors to win @ 1.76 (3/4) with Unibet.
Odds taken at 20:00 GMT 24/05/2019
Key Points
- Toronto Raptors have won the last three games of this series
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 20.3 points per game in his last three games (lowest three-game average of his postseason)
- The Raptors have won their last four home playoff games
Our Verdict and Best Bets
The Raptors were able to overcome a halftime deficit to come back and beat the Bucks in Game 5, setting up a huge Game 6 for both teams. The Bucks come into this game as the underdogs, but don’t let this scare you. Milwaukee will come out playing like a desperate team in Toronto on Saturday, which is likely to bring out the best in this Bucks team. Bettors should be considering placing a bet on the Bucks moneyline (+110) for the first quarter. Milwaukee will want and need a quick start, making a first quarter bet the perfect pick to take advantage of the top-seeded Bucks when they have their backs against the wall.
