Raptors vs Bucks NBA Playoffs Game 2 Odds, Preview & Prediction

The Toronto Raptors look to even the series versus the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Friday, May 17. Toronto played well in Game 1, but it wasn’t enough for them to secure the win. Will the Raptors make it 1 game apiece? Or, will Milwaukee go up 2 games to 0? Check out NBA Playoff betting odds, analysis, and a free pick for Raptors-Bucks Game 2!

Raptors vs Bucks NBA Playoffs Game 2 Odds, Preview & Prediction

Why Toronto Raptors are a good bet at +6 ½?

Even though the Raptors lost Game 1 100-108, up until the fourth quarter, Toronto looked like the winners. The Raptors led for most of the game. But in the fourth quarter, every Toronto player struggled except Kyle Lowry.

The Raptors should be more ready on Friday to play an entire four quarters of great basketball. If Toronto doesn’t tire in the fourth, they could win this game straight up. They most definitely should cover the spread.

Team Statistics

Offense:

• Points/G: 114.4
• Field Goal %: 47.4
• 3-Point %: 36.6
• Free Throw %: 80.4
• Rebounds/G: 45.2

Defense:

• Points/G: 108.4
• Field Goal %: 44.9
• 3-Point %: 34.5
• Free Throw %: 76.5
• Rebounds/G: 44.8

Why Milwaukee Bucks are a good bet at -6 ½?

It took Milwaukee a while to get going, but when the Bucks did, they dominated in Game 1. One of the reasons for the domination was the play of Brook Lopez. Lopez had 29 points and 11 rebounds. He dominated Marc Gasol.

Lopez doesn’t have to play that well for the Bucks to win and cover on Friday night. Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe, and Nikola Mirotic all underperformed. If those three players step it up, the Bucks should win and cover.

Team Statistics

Offense:

• Points/G: 118.1
• Field Goal %: 47.6
• 3-Point %: 35.3
• Free Throw %: 77.3
• Rebounds/G: 49.7

Defense:

• Points/G: 109.3
• Field Goal %: 43.3
• 3-Point %: 36.1
• Free Throw %: 73.3
• Rebounds/G: 45.3

NBA Playoffs Betting Trends for Raptors vs Bucks

• Raptors are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 Friday games
• Raptors are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall
• Raptors are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games playing on 1 days rest
• Bucks are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Friday games
• Bucks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games
• Raptors are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings

Raptors vs Bucks Game 2 Final Analysis

Toronto played too well to lose Game 1. The Raptors had Milwaukee scrambling to stop Toronto’s three-point shooters. At least, that’s what the stats tell us. In truth, Toronto only shot 35.7% from three because Kyle Lowry hit on 7-of-9.

Lowry won’t do that again on Friday night. Not only that, but if the Raptors got tired on Wednesday, why wouldn’t they get tired on Friday night? They only get a day of rest before having to tackle Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of the Bucks again.

That real thing that should worry you if you’re a Raptors fan is how the team kept Middleton, Bledsoe, and Mirotic from going off but let Giannis and Lopez dominate them. Toronto can’t be feeling good because the chances of all three of those players underperforming again isn’t great.

Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer is great at making adjustments. Milwaukee lost Game 1 to the Celtics in the last series and came back and won 4 in a row. The Bucks should have a much easier time beating Toronto on Friday than they did on Wednesday.

NBA Playoffs Betting Pick: Bucks -6 ½