Published Dec 17, 7:08am ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 17, 7:08am ET
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Updated Dec 17, 7:17am ET
One of the games on Thursday's NBA slate features the Milwaukee Bucks hosting the Toronto Raptors. Who has the edge in our Bucks vs Raptors pick?
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| Milwaukee Bucks | +4.5 (-111) |
| Toronto Raptors | -4.5 (-111) |
Milwaukee has dropped three of its last four games, including a 127-82 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.
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Milwaukee trailed by 12 points after the opening stanza and 65-48 at the break. And the Nets put the game out of reach in the third quarter, thanks to a 24-11 surge that increased their advantage to 29 points (94-65).
Gary Trent Jr. led the way with 20 points on 7-for-14 shooting overall and 4-for-8 from 3-point range. Kyle Kuzma added 13 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
The Bucks struggled offensively, connecting on just 39 percent of their overall attempts while shooting 23 percent from beyond the arc.
The Raptors posted a 15-7 mark through their first 22 outings before suffering a four-game skid for the second time this season. Fortunately, the team ended that streak with a 106-96 win against the Miami Heat.
Toronto trailed by three points entering the fourth quarter. But a 17-2 surge enabled the road team to eventually come away with a double-digit win.
Brandon Ingram spearheaded a balanced attack in which five players reached double figures. He finished with 28 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Scottie Barnes registered 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of this contest.
Milwaukee has won four of the previous five games in this series. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo is sidelined with a calf injury and the team is 2-8 without him in the lineup this season. Given that fact, the edge goes to the Raptors.
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Pick
Toronto Raptors
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