Can the Raptors cover the 7 vs. the Bucks? NBA Predictions 4/15/17

Bucks vs. Raptors Game 1 Pick

Are the Toronto Raptors set to cruise to a big win at home when they host the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of their playoff series at 5:30PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Raptors are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -7 points against the Bucks. The over/under total for the game is listed at 199.5 points. These two met four times this season, with Toronto going 3-1 straight up and against the spread in the four meetings.

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Toronto came on strong toward the end of the season, winning four straight and six of their last seven. The Raptors sit at 51-31 overall and 45-36-1 against the spread, earning the third seed in the East. Toronto averaged 106.9 points per game on offense this season while allowing 102.6 on defense. Over their last five games, the Raptors put up only 99.8 per game on offense while holding opponents to 96.8. DeMar DeRozan is leading the team with 27.3 points per game while Kyle Lowry adds 22.4 points and 7 assists per contest.

Milwaukee ended its season with a 112-94 loss at Boston and the Bucks were just 2-4 in their last six games. Milwaukee had a 42-40 overall record this season to earn the sixth seed while the team went 36-46 against the spread. On the season, the Bucks put up 103.6 points per game on offense while allowing 103.8 on defense. Over its last five games, the Bucks scored just 88.2 per game and allowed 97.4 on defense. Giannis Antetokounmpo has led the team in every major category, averaging 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.89 blocks and 1.64 steals per game. He really has stepped up since Jabari Parker injured his knee in April. He averaged 20.1 points per game before going down for the season.

Bet on Bucks vs. Raptors

The Greek Freak is a great talent and deserves some MVP consideration this year, but the Bucks as a team just don’t have a lot of talent. When Parker went down, it made Milwaukee a one-man team and that isn’t going to turn out well today in Toronto. The Raptors have a little more pep in their step now that Lowry is back from injury. Their defense has been very strong in the last week and it should continue against this thin Milwaukee roster.

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: TORONTO RAPTORS -7

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