The Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors will matchup on Thursday night as the Bucks look for their ninth straight win. It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Bucks-Raptors prediction and pick.
The Bucks and Raptors will play on Thursday as the Bucks will look to extend their winning streak. Milwaukee has rolled off eight wins in a row, and is beginning to round into their championship form following Khris Middleton's return to the lineup. Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing at an MVP level, as usual, and the supporting cast is getting into a groove as well. Toronto is just 2-8 at home this season, and will look to take advantage of the fact that the Bucks are on a back-to-back on Thursday after outlasting the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday night. The Bucks are solid favorites over the Raptors on Thursday despite being on the road and at a rest disadvantage.
Here are the Bucks-Raptors odds for this Thursday NBA matchup, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Bucks-Raptors odds
Milwaukee Bucks -4 (-112)
Toronto Raptors +4 (-108)
Over 215 (-110)
Under 215 (-110)
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Click for free trial)*
Why The Bucks Can Cover The Spread
The Bucks injury report isn't yet out for Thursday night, and there is always the possibility someone rests on the second night of a back-to-back. It would be wise to wait for the final injury reports before placing bets on this one. Assuming the Bucks key guys are in, they are favorites here even being the team that is playing the back-to-back. Toronto is without one of their best players, OG Anunoby, so if the Bucks are healthy they should be able to take care of business vs. the Raptors on Thursday.
Across Milwaukee's current eight game win-streak, the Bucks have the NBA's second best net rating. Over the eight-game stretch, Antetokounmpo is averaging a league-best 29.4 points per game on 61% shooting along with 12.6 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game to go with 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals. The two-time MVP is playing at maybe an even higher level than he did in those seasons. Milwaukee is 7-4 on the road this season and 10-12 vs. the spread. They should be in good position to pick up a win, but laying points on a road back-to-back is never the best feeling.
Why The Raptors Cover The Spread
Toronto being at home may sound like an edge, but so far this season they are just 2-8 on their own floor. That tide surely has to turn at some point, but it may not be Thursday night vs. the surging Bucks. The Raptors are missing a key player in Anunoby, one who could help defensively with Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton. Pascal Siakam likely draws the Giannis matchup out of the gate, but it's going to be tough to slow the Bucks down right now regardless. Perhaps Milwaukee will rest guys or not have legs following the hard-fought win over the Hornets on Wednesday. The Raptors will need some sort of good fortune to pick up a win in this one as the Bucks have been red-hot.
Final Bucks-Raptors Prediction & Pick
Barring guys being held out for the Bucks, take Milwaukee to cover and win on Thursday vs. the Raptors. Toronto has struggled vs. better teams so far this season, and the Bucks are in a really good place right now. Milwaukee has been one of the better regular season teams in the NBA the past few years now, and they look like they have hit their stride this season.
FINAL BUCKS-RAPTORS PREDICTION & PICK: Bucks -4 (-112)
Follow Us
Subscribe