The Toronto Raptors have lost seven of nine and things aren't getting any easier with the red-hot defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks landing down in The Six.
The Bucks extended their winning streak to eight in a row thanks to a clutch last-second layup from Giannis Antetokounmpo against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. But with Milwaukee playing its second game in as many nights, does Toronto have value as a home underdog?
Find out in our free NBA picks and predictions for Bucks vs. Raptors on December 2.
Bucks vs Raptors odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
The Raptors opened this Eastern Conference matchup as 4.5-point home underdogs and have, a little surprisingly, been bet down to +4. The total hit the board at 215 and that’s where it remains as of Thursday morning.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right until tip-off and be sure to check out the full NBA odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
Bucks vs Raptors predictions
Predictions made on 12/02/2021 at 11:45 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Bucks vs Raptors game info
• Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
• Date: Thursday, December 2, 2021
• Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV: TSN
Bucks vs Raptors betting preview
Injuries
Bucks: Brook Lopez C (Out), Donte DiVincenzo SG (Out).
Raptors: OG Anunoby SF (Out), Khem Birch C (Out), Gary Trent Jr. SG (Questionable).
Find our latest NBA injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Raptors are 1-9 ATS at home this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Raptors.
Bucks vs Raptors picks and predictions
Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.
Spread analysis
The Raptors have lost seven of their last nine games and just don’t look the same since OG Anunoby went down with a hip injury, and while his return is on the horizon, he won’t be available for this matchup.
The Raps were earning rave reviews for their defense early this season, but over this nine-game skid, they have really struggled at that end of the floor. Since a Nov. 13 loss to the Pistons, the Raptors rank 28th in defensive rating and 27th in opponent field goal percentage.
Now, they’ll need to try to slow down a Bucks team that heads into this matchup riding a huge wave of momentum. The Bucks have won eight in a row thanks to an awesome last-second layup to defeat the Charlotte Hornets last night.
Even though the Bucks are playing the second half of a back-to-back, they are going to present a ton of problems for the Raps. Milwaukee certainly looks like it has hit its stride after its early-season injury wave, picking up its game at both ends of the floor.
During their eight-game winning streak, the Bucks rank seventh in offensive rating and first in defensive rating. That doesn’t bode well for a Raptors team that struggles with its half-court offense even with OG in the lineup.
The Raptors have been a very hard team to predict this year, so will I be shocked if they come out strong against a Bucks team playing in its second game in as many nights? No. But I just don’t have any faith in backing a team that is struggling defensively and is 1-9 ATS at home this season.
Oh, did we mention the Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the other team?
Prediction: Bucks -4 (-110)
Over/Under analysis
The Raptors have been a hard team to figure out when it comes to totals, so it’s not surprising to see them 12-10 against the O/U this season.
On offense, the Raptors are either getting out and running in transition after turnovers, or they milk the clock with their deliberate half-court offense. But that offense could get a boost with the return of shooting guard Gary Trent Jr.
Even though Toronto has struggled lately, it still ranks a respectable 13th in offensive rating and should be able to work a little better against a Bucks team that could have some tired legs after last night’s tight game.
On the other side, a struggling Raptors defense is going to have to deal with a Bucks offense that is pouring in nearly 120 points per game over the last six games. We’re leaning towards the Over in this one.
Prediction: Over 215 (-110)
Best bet
If the Raptors want to turn things around, they're going to need a more consistent performance from Pascal Siakam. The Raptors’ power forward has gotten off to a slow start since returning from a shoulder injury and is averaging 17.9 points per game this season while shooting 32.6 percent from 3-point range.
Siakam has also had his issues against the Bucks over the course of his career, averaging just 15.6 points against Milwaukee since entering the league. With Siakam scoring more than 20 points just three times in his 11 games this season, he’s not a good bet to go Over his point total against a Bucks defense that has really picked up its effort at the defensive end recently.
Pick: Pascal Siakam Under 20.5 Points (-110)
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