Raptors vs. Bucks NBA expert prediction, pick and odds for Friday, April 5 (Milwaukee's offense gets back on track)
The Milwaukee Bucks are desperately searching for answers going into the final six-game stretch of the regular season. Milwaukee has lost back-to-back games (at Washington, vs. Memphis) as a double-digit favorite.
The Bucks still hold the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference, but the Cleveland Cavaliers (1.5 games), Orlando Magic (2 games) and New York Knicks (2 games) are all within striking distance.
They will get another chance as big favorites Friday when they host the Toronto Raptors, a team they split two matchups with all the way back in November. Here’s the betting preview of the matchup with a best bet.
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Raptors vs. Bucks odds, spread and total
Raptors vs. Bucks how to watch
- Date: Friday, April 5
- Game time: 8 p.m. EST
- Venue: Fiserv Forum
- How to watch (TV): Bally Sports
- Raptors record: 23-53
- Bucks record: 47-29
Raptors vs. Bucks injury report
Toronto Raptors
- Ochai Agbaji (hip): questionable
- Scottie Barnes (hand): out
- Chris Boucher (knee): out
- Bruce Brown (knee): questionable
- D.J. Carton (ankle): out
- Jakob Poeltl (hand): out
- Jontay Porter (personal): out
- Gary Trent Jr. (back): questionable
Milwaukee Bucks
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (hamstring): questionable
- MarJon Beauchamp (ankle): doubtful
- Patrick Beverley (ankle): questionable
- Jaylin Galloway (ankle): out
- Damian Lillard (adductor): questionable
Raptors vs. Bucks key players to watch
Toronto Raptors
R.J. Barrett: Barrett missed Wednesday’s loss to Minnesota but is not on the injury report heading into Friday’s tilt. Last time out, Barrett poured in 28 points on 11-of-18 shooting with six rebounds and six assists in Toronto’s loss to the Lakers on Tuesday. Barrett has scored 20-plus points in seven of his last eight games, though he’s battled injuries in that stretch.
Milwaukee Bucks
Brook Lopez: Lopez was a bright spot for a Milwaukee offense that shot just 40% from the field in Wednesday’s loss to Memphis. The veteran center registered a team-high 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting with five triples and finished off a double-double effort with 10 rebounds.
Raptors vs. Bucks prediction and pick
Milwaukee is not going to inspire many backers as a big favorite given its recent history. The Bucks are just 15-18-1 ATS as a home favorite this season and are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven games as a favorite.
However, when betting at all on a big favorite, motivation will play a factor. Milwaukee could let one slip up (Tuesday’s loss to Washington) fly under the radar. But back-to-back losses as huge chalk has to have a ripple effect in a locker room of a team with championship aspirations.
There’s a reason to believe Milwaukee can bounce back against a Toronto squad that has lost 15 consecutive games and hasn’t won in over a month (March 3 vs. Charlotte). Milwaukee’s offense was shut down against a respectable Memphis defense its last time out, but that shouldn’t be the case against a Toronto team that is 25th in net defensive rating and has allowed 135.2 points per game over its last four outings.
Milwaukee is top-5 in 3-pointers attempted per game and should have success letting it fly from the perimeter against a Toronto defense that is 26th in the NBA defending 3s. Milwaukee has the biggest bounce back on the offense end. Take the Bucks to go over their posted team total.
Game odds update periodically and are subject to change.