Toronto Raptors

Raptors (9-6) at Bucks (6-7): Preview

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Raptors would love to finish this 5-game road trip with a positive record, and a victory tonight in Milwaukee will do just that.

The Toronto Raptors have had enough of living out of suitcases, and will return home following tonight’s game. Let’s hope they do so happy, and that’s possible. They should be able to handle the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Bucks have been “turning the corner” for several seasons now. When they will actually get themselves sorted out into a playoff-ready squad is impossible to say. They thought they had a taken a giant step with the signing two seasons ago of much-sought-after free-agent Greg Munroe. The huge forward always looked to these eyes like a man playing in the wrong era. He probably would have thrived in the smash-mouth Nineties against the likes of the bad boy Detroit Pistons, but in these days of pace & space, he’s too slow.

Monroe is averaging 17+ minutes of playing time per game, while grinders like Tony Snell and Malcolm Brogdon are over 20. John Henson, another big body, isn’t getting much burn in what should be the prime of his career. Coach Jason Kidd, once a top-rank point guard, clearly leans towards smaller lineups. However, he’s handicapped by the long-term injury suffered to Kris Middleton. The deadly shooter won’t be back for some months.

3 Keys to Victory for Toronto

Next: 3 mega-Bucks

3 mega-Bucks

Mar 15, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) in the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Conclusion & Final Score

The Raptors have been scorched lately, but the Bucks don’t have the kind of scoring punch teams like Golden State, the Clippers and even the Rockets regularly roll out. If the second unit can hold up its end of the bargain, the road trip will end positively.

Raptors 111 – Bucks 98