For the first time this season, the Milwaukee Bucks travel to Tampa to take on the Toronto Raptors.  It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Bucks-Raptors prediction and pick.

The Bucks hold an overall record of 10-6, but they are only 7-9 against the spread. Milwaukee is coming off a win over the Atlanta Hawks.

The Raptors stand at 7-10 overall, and they are 6-11 against the spread. In the Raptors' most recent game, they fell to the Indiana Pacers.

Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Bucks-Raptors odds.

NBA Odds: Bucks-Raptors Odds

Milwaukee Bucks -7 (-107)

Toronto Raptors +7 (-113)

Over 228 Points (-110)

Under 228 Points (-110)

Why The Raptors Could Cover The Spread

Nick Nurse, Raptors

While the Bucks' defense was one of the best in the league last year, they have regressed this season. In fact, the Raptors defense has been better than Milwaukee's in several categories.

Toronto ranks higher than Milwaukee in total points allowed, total field goals allowed, and total three-point field goals allowed.

Additionally, the Raptors have held opponents to a lower field-goal and three-point percentage.

When all factors are accounted for, the Bucks are just a shade better defensively than the Raptors. Milwaukee clocks in with the eighth best defensive rating, while Toronto is ninth.

The key for Toronto in this game lies on the offensive end. Can they muster up enough points against a Bucks defense that has been solid, if not spectacular?

The Raptors will need Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry to step up tonight with OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam questionable.

Thankfully for Toronto fans, VanVleet has been putting up big numbers lately. The newly extended guard is averaging 20.8 points and shooting 40% from three over the last four contests.

VanVleet or Lowry will have to be on their A-game tonight for Toronto to keep this one close.

Why The Bucks Could Cover The Spread

Is Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, Bucks

While the Bucks and Raptors defenses might be on even footing, Milwaukee's offense leaves Toronto in the dust.

The Bucks currently hold the top offensive rating in the league, while the Raptors are 16th.

Milwaukee has six players averaging double-digit scoring, and three legitimate threats to score 25 points on any given night in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday.

Unsurprisingly, the biggest threat to Toronto's defense will be the Greek Freak tonight.

Giannis has been on a tear, averaging just under 30 points a game on 59% shooting in his last three games.

Previously, the Raptors were able to prevent Giannis from going nuclear against them by stacking up with size and walling off the paint with their big men.

Now, Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol are in Los Angeles. The only real shot blocking threat on the floor for the Raptors will be Chris Boucher.

Without real size to prevent Giannis from getting easy baskets, the reigning MVP should get plenty of easy baskets and find open teammates with ease.

The Bucks roster has too many good shooters to expect them to miss many open looks. If they start falling early, Milwaukee could make this game ugly.

Final Bucks-Raptors Prediction & Pick

After a tough loss to the Lakers, the Bucks look primed to turn it up a notch and starting a winning streak. The Raptors simply do not have the offensive firepower to hang with Milwaukee for 48 minutes, especially with Siakam and Anunoby dealing with lingering injuries. I'll take the Bucks to win their second straight and cover easily.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: MIL 121, TOR 107