Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview: January 5 vs Toronto Raptors

Major key for Milwaukee – Reassess the gameplan

Perhaps the most frustrating element of Monday’s loss to the Raptors was that after months of meaningful change from both teams since their original playoff series, both teams settled back into old ways and that proved to be the beating of the Bucks.

With so much talk about how the Raptors have changed and evolved their playing style, it would have been nice to see them forced into proving that new approach would work against the Bucks. Instead, Toronto quickly realized that the same holes still existed in Milwaukee’s defense and their more tried and tested approach to beating them would still suffice.

With Greg Monroe gone and the addition of Eric Bledsoe, the Bucks could give the Raptors a really different look, but that would rely on them changing up their defensive approach.

Milwaukee has had success with a more conservative defensive approach already this season, and more switching rather than trapping could certainly play to their advantage in disorienting Toronto. Considering the familiarity the two teams have at this point, there’s a lot that could be said for throwing something new at the Raptors.

Jason Kidd’s commitment to his blitzing scheme makes this an unlikely move, although it could be a game winner if he does make the adjustment.