The Toronto Raptors open up their 2024 Emirates NBA Cup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Both teams are looking for a much needed win. The Raptors come into this matchup dead last in the NBA at 2-9, meanwhile the Bucks are right behind them at 2-8.
However, the difference is the Raptors are in a rebuild year and the Bucks have championship aspirations.
The Bucks are off to a terrible start to their season. They are coming off blowing a 17-point lead to the Boston Celtics on Nov. 10 and they will now be without Damian Lillard who has entered concussion protocol.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is probable for this game along with Gary Trent Jr. and Andre Jackson Jr. Khris Middleton remains out.
The Raptors have a slew of injuries. Scottie Barnes (orbital fracture), Bruce Brown (knee), Kelly Olynyk (back), Ja’Kobe Walter (AC joint) are all out. Garrett Temple (back) is doubtful and Immanuel Quickley popped up on the injury report as he is questionable to play with an elbow sprain.
Antetokounmpo should be in line for a big game as the Raptors rank 30th in defensive rating. Toronto has not defended the paint well as they are 25th in opponent points in the paint per game.
If the Raptors want to win this one they need big outings from RJ Barrett and Quickley if he plays. Also, Gradey Dick needs to be more involved in the offense. The sophomore was quiet in the second-half of the Raptors loss to the Lakers. The Raptors are currently winless on the road this season.
Toronto Raptors (2-9) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (2-8)
8:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
TV: TSN
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Davion Mitchell
SG: Ochai Agbaji
SF: Gradey Dick
PF: RJ Barrett
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Chris Boucher, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamison Battle
Projected Bucks Starting Lineup:
PG: Pat Connaughton
SG: Andre Jackson Jr.
SF: Taurean Prince
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Brook Lopez
Key Reserves: AJ Green, Gary Trent Jr., Bobby Porter Jr.
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