The hits keep on coming for Raptors fans, who may or may not be witnessing their team's incredible 15-game losing streak. The tough times could continue against the 47-29 Bucks on Friday (8:00 p.m., TSN), but we'll be looking to keep cashing in on the Raps with some best bets.
If Darko Rajaković's squad can't get a win soon, it will break the franchise record for longest losing streak (17, back in '97-98). This current team already owns the second-worst losing streak in franchise history, as the 905 has maxed out at 14 straight Ls four times but only gone 15-plus that one other time.
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Could Milwaukee possibly allow the Raptors to mount the most improbable upset? The Bucks had been cooking under Doc Rivers since the All-Star break, but they have hit the skids over their past five games. They're 1-4 in that span, and they've lost to dreadful Washington and Memphis teams during that span.
Let's dive into the betting odds for this interconference battle, then uncover some stats and trends and reveal our predictions, best bets, and top player props from BetMGM.
Raptors at Bucks odds, pick against spread
All odds and props are from BetMGM, an authorized gaming operator of the NBA.
- ATS: Bucks -14.5 (-105) | Raptors +14.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Bucks -1200 | Raptors +750
- Over/under: O 228.5 (-105) | U 228.5 (-115)
No surprises here. The undermanned Raptors have gone just 10-27 straight up on the road this season, and they're 1-9 against the spread over their past 10 games. That tells us that their losses of late have not even been that close. They can't stay hot offensively, or step up defensively to slow down superior offensive players.
The Raps' average margin of defeat during this current 15-game skid: 19.1 points. Their against-the-spread record in that span: 3-12. They have lost by between 41-48 points three different times over the past month.
Seven of the past 10 Raptors games have gone UNDER the projected total, and the UNDER has gone 18-15-1 when Milwaukee is a home favorite.
Raptors at Bucks best bets and final score prediction
We simply can't bet on Toronto, between the Bucks looking to get back on track and the Raptors seemingly disinterested in winning (the tank is on!). Wins are losses for the Raps at this point, as they're trying to get an optimal pick in next month's NBA Draft lottery.
So, betting the Raptors' opponents against the spread has been a wishing well of late-season fortune for savvy bettors. Toronto has gone 1-9 ATS over its past 10 games and 3-12 ATS over their past 15. We've been saying it for weeks: unless the sportsbooks start making the Raps 20-point underdogs, we simply have to keep following this trend.
The Raps are starting guys like Jalen McDaniels, Javon Freeman-Liberty, Garrett Temple, and Malik Williams, and giving considerable run to the likes of Jordan Nwara and Kobi Simmons. They have decent scorers in Gradey Dick and Gary Trent Jr. — and Kelly Olynyk has been a solid playmaker — but Trent (back) and KO (rest) are listed as questionable. U-G-L-Y!
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Giannis, meanwhile, can put up 70 on the Raptors if he really wants to make the effort. With no Jakob Poeltl (pinky) down low, Toronto can't hold its own against Giannis, never mind Giannis, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis. And without All-Star Scottie Barnes (hand) and R.J. Barrett (bereavement), nobody can help Darko's squad hang around with Giannis and Dame offensively.
Sometimes, the least interesting games yield the most value-rich betting opportunities. Bettors, you don't have to watch the game to make money off of it. And Raptors fans, you might as well profit off the misery while you're tuning in and shaking your head at the next 40-point loss.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Bucks 129, Raptors 91 — The Bucks win (-1200) and cover (-14.5), and the score finishes UNDER the projected total (228.5).
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Raptors at Bucks top player prop bet
Brook Lopez blocks — OVER 1.5 (-125)
The Raptors have been blocked 5.6 times per game, among the top 10 most frequently-swatted teams in the Association. Minnesota rejected the Raps nine times on Wednesday, one game after the Lakers racked up eight blocks against them and two games after Philadelphia reached double-digit denials. We'll stay away from most player props in this insignificant game, but BroLo reaching two blocks seems like as safe a bet as any we can find.
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