NBA Betting Preview (April 5): Raptors vs. Bucks Predictions

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The Toronto Raptors will face a tough task against the Bucks in Milwaukee on Friday night after a 15th consecutive loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.

Recently, the Bucks have hit a rough patch, enduring back-to-back losses and securing just five victories in their last 10 outings. With the Cleveland Cavaliers hot on their heels, trailing by a mere 1 1/2 games for the second seed, the upcoming contest is key for the Bucks. A win here could extend their lead to a more comfortable 2 1/2-game margin

Let’s look at the best betting odds on both teams for this upcoming matchup.

Raptors vs. Bucks best odds

Raptors Moneyline Odds	+850 @ NorthStar Bets
Bucks Moneyline Odds	-1018 @ Pinnacle
Over/Under	Over 225.5 points (-120) @ Betway Under 229.5 points (-139) @ PROLINE +
Spread	Bucks -15 (-105) @ Pinnacle Raptors +16.5 (-125) @ PROLINE +
Time/Date	April 5, 8:00 p.m. ET
TV	Broadcast: SN1 Stream: NBA League Pass (How to watch the NBA in Canada?)

Betting Toronto Raptors (23-53 SU, 32-44 ATS, 38-38 o/u)

The Raptors’ visit to Minnesota ended in a historic defeat at the hands of the Timberwolves, with the scoreboard reading a staggering 133-85 by the final buzzer. This 48-point blowout marks the most lopsided loss in the Raptors’ franchise history. Amidst the tough night, three players managed to share the top-scoring honours for the Raptors, each contributing 16 points: Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick and Javon Freeman-Liberty.

Quickley is in for a golden opportunity against the Bucks. Ever since the Bucks let Jrue Holiday go, their perimeter defence has been very weak. They are allowing the second-most points to point guards which means Quickley could be poised for a big game. Dick finds himself in a similar situation. The Bucks are ranked third in points and rebounds allowed to shooting guards. This presents a great opportunity for Dick to leave his mark on the scoreboard and on the glass.

RJ Barrett, who will likely be on a minutes restriction, looks to face a defence that is seventh in limiting points to small forwards. Jalen McDaniels, who will be playing power forward, faces a squad that’s tough on assists, ranking third for giving up the least assists. Lastly, Kelly Olynyk steps up as centre against a defence that’s generous with assists, ranking fifth in giving up assists to the position in the entire league.

Betting Milwaukee Bucks (47-29 SU, 33-42-1 ATS, 37-37-2 o/u)

In a game marked by the absence of key players from both squads, the Bucks, without the services of Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard, fell 111-101 Wednesday to the Memphis Grizzlies, who were themselves significantly shorthanded, missing Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, among others. Despite the setbacks, Brook Lopez stepped up for the Bucks, delivering a double-double performance with 25 points and 10 assists, leading the team in scoring. Close on his heels, Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his all-around skills with 21 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and an impressive tally of five steals, yet their efforts were not enough to secure a win against the Grizzlies.

In the last 15 games, the Raptors’ defensive lineup has shown signs of struggle, primarily due to injuries. Among this struggle, their defence against small forwards has been notably poor, giving up the most points and rebounds, along with the fourth-most assists in the league. Middleton, stepping into this prime spot against the Raptors, has a good opportunity to leverage this situation. For the point guards, including Pat Connaughton stepping into the role, the Raptors have presented a different challenge conceding the fourth-least rebounds to the position. Antetokounmpo will be facing a Raptors defence that has been particularly lenient to power forwards, allowing the third-most points, seventh-most rebounds, and, notably, the fifth-most assists to this position. This opens a significant opportunity for Antetokounmpo to impact the game across scoring, rebounding, and playmaking against a struggling defence. Lastly, Lopez confronts a Raptors defence that offers the fifth-most points, the most rebounds, and the eighth-most assists to centres. This scenario sets Lopez up for a favourable matchup.

Raptors vs. Bucks injury concerns

• Scottie Barnes suffered a fracture to the third metacarpal bone of his left hand and is considered out indefinitely.
• Jakob Poeltl is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left pinkie finger.
• Chris Boucher suffered a partial MCL tear in his right knee and is without a timeline for return.
• Jontay Porter (personal) has been ruled out.
• Ochai Agbaji (hip) is questionable.
• Gary Trent Jr (back) is listed as questionable.
• Bruce Brown (knee) is listed as questionable.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo is questionable due to left hamstring tendinopathy.
• Damian Lillard (groin) is questionable.
• Patrick Beverley (ankle) is questionable.
• MarJon Beauchamp is listed as doubtful due to a right ankle sprain.

NBA betting trends

• The under is 19-9-2 in Milwaukee’s last 30 games.
• Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS in its last five games.
• The over is 4-0 in Toronto’s last four games.
• Toronto is 3-15 ATS in its last 18 games.

NBA player prop trends

• Antetokounmpo has recorded over 6.5 assists in four of his last five games and he’s averaging 6.5 assists per game this season. His line is at -140 (best odds @ Bet99) to record over 6.5 assists against the Raptors.
• Trent Jr. has scored 18 or more points in each of his last five games. His line is at -110 to score over 15.5 points (best odds @ Betway) against the Bucks.
• Antetokounmpo has just one three-pointer over his last 10 games, shooting a horrific 1-for-14 (7%) from long range during that span. His line is -180 (best odds @ PointsBet) to record under 0.5 threes.

NBA bets to consider

• Bucks Moneyline; Quickley over 17.5 points; Antetokoumnpo over 6.5 assists: +230 (bet365). Quickley and Antetokounmpo are in great spots to hit their overs, with the Bucks giving up the second-most points to point guards and the Raptors giving up the fifth-most assists to power forwards. The Bucks should cruise to an easy victory over the lifeless Raptors.
• Over 225.5 total points: -120 (betway). The Raptors may be getting back Barrett, Olynyk, and Trent Jr. who will help generate points for the offence. Middleton is back too, so if Antetokounmpo plays, there will be loads of talent on the court for this game to go over the total.