The Toronto Raptors are two losses away from tying the longest losing streak in franchise history, setting an unwelcome record in futility during a season that has gone from hopeful to lost very quickly. And it doesn’t get any easier for the young, upstart Raptors, as they face the Milwaukee Bucks in their most challenging game left with a 16-game losing streak on the line.
The Raptors are not only losing games, they are getting routed with ease. They have lost eight of their last 10 games by double digits and have an average margin of defeat of 19.1 over the 15-game losing streak. They are coming off of their worst loss in franchise history, a 48-point defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. And yet, the Bucks have made a recent habit of losing to the basement-dwellers of the league.
The Bucks have lost four of their last five games, including back-to-back losses against the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies. They were not at full strength, but they should have easily grabbed two wins. Instead, they put themselves in danger of losing the No. 2 seed, as they are only 1.5 games up on the third-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.
Luckily for the Bucks, they should be close to full strength on Friday night against Toronto. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Patrick Beverley are both listed as questionable, with MarJon Beauchamp considered doubtful. Meanwhile, Damian Lillard will make his return tonight against the Raptors after missing the last three games.
It says plenty about the Raptors season that they are in relatively good health for Friday’s game, and that is because RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are back in the lineup. They are still without Scottie Barnes (hand), Jakob Poeltl (hand), Chris Boucher (knee) and D.J. Carton (ankle), while Bruce Brown (knee), Gary Trent Jr. (back) and Ochai Agbaji (hip) are all considered questionable.
At this point, the Raptors securing a win would be a massive upset, as it is becoming ever more likely that they run the table on losses this season.
Toronto Raptors (23-53) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (47-29)
6:00 p.m. EST, Friday, April 5, 2024
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
TV: Sportsnet
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Immanuel Quickley
SG: RJ Barrett
SF: Gradey Dick
PF: Ochai Agbaji
C: Kelly Olynyk
Key Reserves: Bruce Brown Jr., Javon Freeman-Liberty, Gary Trent Jr.
Projected Bucks Starting Lineup:
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Malik Beasley
SF: Khris Middleton
PF: Giannis Antetkounmpo
C: Brook Lopez
Key Reserves: Patrick Beverley, Jae Crowder, Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton
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