The Milwaukee Bucks laid an egg in Toronto during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, thanks to ice-cold shooting and poor defense at crucial times — and they still almost won, forcing Toronto to double overtime before the Raptors closed things out, 118-112. Pascal Siakam had a chance to close things out in the last minute of regulation but bricked a pair of free throws, leading to the extra frames.
Kawhi Leonard led the way for Toronto with 36 points, including eight points in the second overtime, in 52 minutes, a career postseason high. Siakam put up 25 points and 11 boards, Norman Powell added 19 points, and Marc Gasol contributed 16 points and a dozen boards. Giannis Antetokounmpo had an off night, going just 5 for 16 for 12 points — although he did grab 23 boards. He would foul out with 4:24 remaining in the second overtime.
George Hill chipped in 24 points and Malcolm Brogdon added 20 more for the Bucks. Khris Middleton had only nine points for Milwaukee, going just 3 for 16.
Can Toronto even the series? Or will Milwaukee’s offense kick back in for Game 4? Check out our NBA betting preview for this Eastern Conference Finals showdown.
Bucks vs Raptors 2019 NBA Playoffs Game 4 Odds & Preview
When: Tuesday, May 21, 2019, 8:30pm ET
Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
TV: TNT
Radio: WTMJ 620 AM Milwaukee / 1050 AM TSN Toronto
Live Stream: ESPN+NBA Odds: Milwaukee -2 / O/U 216
Why should you bet on Milwaukee?
Despite their off night in Game 3, the Bucks are still shooting 45.3 percent from the floor in these playoffs, scoring 116.4 points per contest. They have a +13.5 point differential in their playoff games and have won 10 of their last 12. Their two biggest scorers are Antetokounmpo and Middleton, so it makes sense that they would lose when both of those players had struggles making shots; the fact that the Bucks were able to force overtime despite those poor performances suggests their depth — and their ability to beat Toronto over the course of a series.
MIlwaukee has covered eight of their last nine games when they are the favorite and in 41 of their last 62 games overall. In their last five meetings with the Raptors in Toronto, they have covered four times, and they have covered in six of their last eight games against Toronto overall. The Bucks were not as physical as the Raptors in Game 3, and that played a role in the Bucks’ loss. If you like Milwaukee, you see them reverting to the shooting form and aggressiveness that they showed in the series’ first two games.
Why should you put your money on Toronto?
Toronto boosted their postseason scoring average to 104.3 points per contest in their Game 3 victory, and Kawhi Leonard boosted his scoring average slightly, to 32 per contest. Siakam is scoring almost 20 points per game, and the two are combining for 15.5 rebounds per game. Kyle Lowry fouled out in the fourth quarter of Game 3 and the Raptors were still able to win. In Toronto, the Raptors have now won six of seven, covering in five of those.
Pressure has not been Toronto’s friend in the playoffs in recent years. Did you see Siakam before he bricked those free throws in the last minute of regulation? It was clear that he wanted to be anywhere but the free throw line. Even with the specter of LeBron James gone from the playoffs, the Raptors (except for Kawhi) have a mental block when it comes to big games. That’s why Toronto has covered just once in their last five Eastern Conference Final games.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
I really like the duo of Leonard and Siakam in Toronto, but the Bucks have too many weapons to be denied again. I predict a final score of Milwaukee 119, Toronto 115.
