Simulation Picks
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Expert Picks
The Bucks don't have a lot of history on their side here, after losing the last three. The Raptors have slowed the game down, and the Bucks want to run at a faster pace like they did the first two games of this series. Momentum is certainly on the Raptors' side. But with the season on the line, I expect the Bucks to at least push the pace as much as possible. Over is the play.
During the regular season, Milwaukee made 35.3% of its three pointers, and made 47.6% of its shots overall. In this series against Toronto the Bucks are 30.3% from three and 42.8% overall. The Raptors have figured them out defensively, and I while the Bucks could rebound tonight, it's harder to count on that happening on the road in an elimination game. Toronto moves on to the Finals tonight.
Down 3-2, the Bucks face a must-win game on Saturday in Game 6. Expect them to play with a fire and focus that you see in teams facing elimination. In addition, Fred VanVleet should start regressing to the norm. A career 39.4 percent three-point shooter, he has made 10-of-12 (83.3 percent) three-pointers in the last two games. Give me the NBA's best team over 82 games -- Milwaukee -- getting points in a must-win spot.
It's time for coach Mike Budenholzer and the Bucks to make some adjustments. Milwaukee still has the better team and is getting points in this elimination game. The Raptors shot just 38 percent from the field but hit 18 three-pointers, thanks to Fred VanVleet, who hit seven of them. Milwaukee has too much firepower and will make the correct adjustments to win Game 6 on Saturday.