Toronto Raptors vs. Milwaukee Bucks: The starting five, together at last?
With the return of RJ imminent, it looks like we may finally get a look at the roster at full strength, just in time to host the Bucks
The Toronto Raptors will host the Milwaukee Bucks in the final game of this home stand, the second of three matchups between the two teams this season. Milwaukee took the first one handily, despite the absence of Damian Lillard. To be fair, Toronto had its own injury issues at the time, with Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley both on the bench. Luckily, two months have passed and the Raptors might actually be back to full strength tonight.
While it’s not a sure thing yet, based on interviews with the media yesterday, RJ should be making his return after full participation in practice yesterday. It couldn’t be at a better time for Toronto or the fans, after a substantial loss to an injury-plagued Orlando team on Friday and setting some unsavoury franchise records (biggest point deficit in a loss and most points scored by an opponent). The Raptors need a fresh start, and what better way than to finally have your “big 3” back in action. And, despite what the odds would suggest, Milwaukee might actually be the perfect team to bounce back against.
The Bucks have had their share of injury issues this season, playing without at least one of Giannis, Middleton, or Lillard in all but seven games. The were finally reunited a few days ago, only to drop consecutive games against Portland and Brooklyn, two of the worst teams in the league this season. In both cases, poor late-game execution was their worst enemy, and with Middleton still trying to find his shot, the Raptors might be able to capitalize.
To do so, they’ll need to find a higher gear. Despite having an almost complete roster on Friday, the Raptors weren’t able to take the game against Orlando, who was missing a number of role players to injury. It felt like a loss that was due to a lack of effort on both ends, but especially defensively. Second chance opportunities, steals, and loose balls all went against the Raptors, and with miscommunications and slow reactions, they allowed a shower of 3s to rain in. If they want to stay with the Bucks tonight, all of that needs to be left in the past.
The Raptors need to play with force, energy, and confidence. Hopefully RJ’s return can be that spark.
Possible Starters:
Toronto: Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl, Gradey Dick
Milwaukee: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Damian Lillard, Andre Jackson Jr.
Injury Report:
Toronto: RJ Barrett (Questionable: Illness)
Milwaukee: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Probable: Right Patella Tendinopathy), Andre Jackson Jr. (Questionable: Illness), AJ Johnson (Out: G-League), Chris Livingston (Out: G-League), Khris Middleton (Probable: Ankle Injury Management), Tyler Smith (Out: G-League)
Where to Watch:
7:30pm ET on TSN