Raptors vs. Bucks Prediction
The 2019 Eastern Conference Finals get underway tonight when the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks host the second-seeded Toronto Raptors at 8PM ET in Game 1.
531 Toronto Raptors vs. 532 Milwaukee Bucks
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
8PM ET – Fiserv Forum
TV: TNT
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new NBA Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers, the Bucks are the favorite tonight, as they are getting odds of -6.5 points against the Raptors. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 217.5 points. The public betting for the contest has 66 percent going on the Bucks as the home favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Raptors survive 76ers
Toronto advanced to the conference finals after an incredible 92-90 win over the 76ers in Game 7 of the conference semifinals on Sunday. Kawhi Leonard hit an amazing game-winning basket that bounced off the rim four times before going in after the buzzer. Toronto disposed of Orlando in five games in the opening round. The Raptors are 66-28 on the season, 29-17 on the road, 44-50 against the spread and 47-44-3 with the over.
The Raptors have been pretty stead on both sides of the floor, as they rank in the top 10 in offense and defense. Toronto is putting up 114.4 points per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the field. Defensively, they allow 108.4 points per game while holding opponents to 44.9 percent shooting. Leonard is having an incredible postseason, averaging 31.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists for the Raptors. Pascal Siakam is adding 20.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per contest.
Bucks on a break
Milwaukee made somewhat quick work of Boston in the conference semifinals, beating them in five games after dropping the first game. They also swept the Detroit Pistons in the first round and are 8-1 against the spread in the postseason. Milwaukee is 68-23 on the year, 37-9 at home, 55-32-4 against the spread and 47-44 with the over.
The Bucks have the league’s top offense, averaging 118.1 points per game while shooting 47.6 percent from the field. They also are the league’s top rebounding team at 49.7 per game. Defensively, the Bucks give up 109.3 points per game, but hold opponents to a league-low 43.3 percent shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo is leading the team with 27.4 points, 11.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game while Khris Middleton is adding 19.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest.
NBA Betting Trends
Toronto
The Raptors are just 1-5 against the spread in their last six against Central Division opponents and 6-13 ATS in their last 19 road games against a team with a home winning percentage over .600.
Milwaukee
The Bucks are 35-14-2 ATS in their last 51 against Eastern Conference games and 39-18-2 ATS in their last 59 games overall.
Prediction:
Milwaukee has had a long break, which could be a concern for rust. The Bucks were overwhelmed by the Celtics in Game 1 at home in their last series before taking over from there. However, I don’t see that as an issue tonight. Milwaukee will have learned from that loss and come out ready for a physical Toronto team. The key in this game, and series, will be the scoring depth the Bucks have compared to the Raptors. Leonard is having to do a lot for Toronto. The Raptors have just three players averaging double figures in the playoff and one is Kyle Lowry, who has become a shell of himself at times. Milwaukee has five players averaging at least 10 points and three more with 8 or more per game. Giannis doesn’t have to do it all for Milwaukee to win and I think their depth will really show at home.
NBA Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks -6.5