Milwaukee Bucks: Getting To Know Potential Playoff Opponents
By Rohan Katti
Toronto Raptors: Regular Season Series 3-1 Raptors
Coming into this season, it was a given that the Toronto Raptors would challenge Cleveland for the Eastern Conference title. Building off of a hard-fought Eastern Conference Finals matchup in 2016, the Raptors re-signed All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan and geared up for another run.
Even though DeRozan started this season like he was gunning for Kareem’s scoring record, Toronto never made a push for the best record in the East. However, it still seemed like the Raptors were aiming for the Finals, with trade deadline moves to bring in Serge Ibaka and what they hope to be a LeBron-stopper in the shape of P.J. Tucker.
The only thing that stopped the Raptors from finishing stronger was a wrist injury to All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry on Feb 15. This led Toronto to slip down to third place in the East. However, now that Lowry has returned, the Raps look as dangerous as ever.
The Milwaukee Bucks should hope they don’t face the Raptors in the playoffs. They outmatch the Bucks in almost every aspect of the game, besides having Giannis. With Serge Ibaka as a defensive presence at the rim, it will be difficult for Milwaukee to get inside, which is where they thrive. Kyle Lowry coming back also means that DeRozan will not have to carry the offensive load any more, leaving him to make better plays.
The regular season series may have proved this potential series would not be particularly close, however, one way Milwaukee could have a chance is by getting the Raptors big men in foul trouble early on.