It looks like a meteor has come down from space and hit the Toronto Raptors’ offense with an extinction-level event.
Sure, this Raptors offense was never going to be an elite sharpshooting team, but I’m not sure anyone thought it would be this dire. And the team hit a new low by putting up just 91 points against a bad Portland Trail Blazers team last time out.
But don’t worry, things will get much easier when *checks notes* Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks come to town on Wednesday night. Oh, good lord.
The Bucks are still working out the kinks of this new roster but is a 5.5-point spread still giving this anemic Raptors team too much respect?
I break down the NBA odds and bring you the best bet in my free NBA picks for Bucks vs. Raptors on November 1.
Bucks vs Raptors odds
Bucks vs Raptors predictions
To put it nicely, the Darko Rajakovic era with the Toronto Raptors has gotten off to a slow start. To be more blunt, the offense has been flat-out terrible. Like, worst in the NBA terrible.
Through four games, the Raptors rank dead last in offensive rating, points per game, and 28th in effective field goal percentage. This all culminated in an embarrassing effort against the Trail Blazers on Monday.
Toronto put up just 91 points against a Blazers team that not only looked like one of the worst teams in the NBA heading into that matchup but was also playing the second half of a back-to-back. The Raptors lost that game 99-91 as 10-point home favorites and it appears that the team’s depth has not been a strength. Which is not a good thing moving forward.
And don’t expect things to turn around tonight as the Raptors will be 5-point underdogs against the visiting Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks look like they are still going through a few growing pains as Damian Lillard still gets acclimatized with his new team. But the Bucks still enter this matchup at 2-1 straight up while playing a reasonably tough schedule with matchups against the Heat, 76ers, and Hawks.
Now, Milwaukee’s defense has clearly taken a bit of a step back this season. It isn’t surprising when you sub out Jrue Holiday for Lillard. But that’s something you’re OK with when you get a scorer like Dame.
The Bucks enter this game ranked 25th in defensive rating. But with the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, and Kris Middleton on the roster, those numbers will improve. Probably tonight against an anemic Raptors offense.
On top of that, Toronto plays at the slowest pace in the NBA.
The Raptors have eclipsed the century mark in regulation just once this season and at least two of their previous opponents were bad defensive teams (Portland, Chicago). So, why would they suddenly go Over 110 points in this matchup against the Bucks? Under their team total all day.
My best bet: Raptors team total Under 110.5 (-120 at PointsBet)
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Bucks vs Raptors same-game parlay
Raptors team total Under 110.5
Buck -5
Lillard top point scorer
As always, our same-game parlay begins with my best bet, which for this Eastern Conference matchup is for the Raptors to stay beneath their team total of 110.5. Simply put, I don’t think the Raptors have the offense to keep up with the Bucks.
This leads me into the second leg of the parlay, which is laying the points with the Bucks. Milwaukee is arguably coming off its best performance of the season, topping the Heat 122-114 as 7.5-point home favorites in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score indicates.
While the Raptors' defense has been outstanding, it wasn’t enough against a team like the 76ers, and Giannis and Dame present a similar problem. But like I said, this is more about the Raptors just not having enough firepower to justify not laying with the Bucks in this matchup.
That Raptors defense will lead me into the final leg of this parlay, however. Scottie Barnes has looked great so far this season. And with OG Anunoby by his side, they can provide a tough front for Antetokounmpo to get through. He will mind you. But they should at least put up a good fight.
So, with those two focused on Giannis, that has me thinking this will be a perfect night for Lillard to shoulder the scoring load for the Bucks. After putting up 39 points on opening night, Dame has scored just 31 in his next two games combined.
But the Raptors have been cooked by some star guards already this season. Anthony Edwards went for 26 points and Tyrese Maxey burned them for 34. Take Dame to be the Bucks' leading scorer in this one. If all goes well, we cash a +400 ticket tonight.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on Raptors basketball at PointsBet Canada
Looking to bet on some Raptors action? Join PointsBet, one of Canada’s favourite books for new bettors!
Bucks vs Raptors spread and Over/Under analysis
The Raptors opened this game as 4.5-point home underdogs and unsurprisingly, the Bucks saw the early betting action moving the line to Milwaukee -5.5. But the line has bounced back a bit and the Raps are 5-point dogs as of early Wednesday afternoon.
The only reason I could see the Raps having some backing here is because their top-rated defense can keep them in games and they have been a solid bet at home dating back to last season. However, that didn’t seem to matter in home games against Portland and Philadelphia. Both of which they lost straight up and against the spread. I’d lean toward the Bucks here.
The total hit the board at 224 and that’s where it remains as of writing this. I would have a slight lean toward the Under here considering I think the Raptors will still struggle to score in this matchup. It’s not a full-on play because if there is a team that could go nuclear and take this Over themselves, it’s Giannis, Dame, and the Bucks.
Bucks vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Raptors are scoring a league-low 99.5 points per game this season with the Under going 3-1 in their first four games. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Raptors.
Bucks vs Raptors game info
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Wednesday, November 1, 2023 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Bucks vs Raptors latest injuries
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
