The Toronto Raptors and the Milwaukee Bucks are locking horns for the first time since their memorable 2019 Eastern Conference Finals series, where the eventual champions eliminated the Bucks in six games. Milwaukee will have the home court advantage but will be on the second night of a back-to-back.

The Bucks should be coming in hot

The Bucks are 3-2 so far this season and have alternated wins and losses in those five contests. It’s an unexpected start for Giannis Antetokounmpo and company, but the good thing is that they head to Sunday’s match-up with momentum in hand. They just eased past the Orlando Magic on the road, 123-91, with Giannis filling the stat sheet for 29 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. One of his partners in crime, Eric Bledsoe, also had his best game of the season yet, as he scored 18 to go along six boards and six dimes.

The two All-Defensive team members, along with the third half of the Bucks trio, Khris Middleton, should have an intense approach to the rematch. Giannis averaged 27 PPG, 15.3 RPG, 5 APG, and 1.7 SPG in three meetings with the Raptors last season.

The Bucks won three of four regular season meetings with the Raptors in the 2018-19 campaign, one of which was basically against the current Toronto lineup, which is mius Kawhi Leonard.

Watchout for Pascal Siakam (if you haven’t already)

The defending champs are doing a good job trying to wipe out doubts that they’ll fade out without Kawhi. They are 4-1 and have an average winning margin of 13.2 points thanks to their defense holding opponents to just 39%-shooting.

Pascal Siakam is continuing to be the defending champs’ catalyst on both ends. He’s having an amazing start, as he is currently in the hallowed 50/40/90 club with shooting percentages of 51% on total field goals, 44% on threes, and 96.3% on free throws. On top of that, his 28 PPG is also sixth in the league, all while having duties of defending the other team’s best players. He looks to be good value for the $130 maximum extension that he inked this year.

The Raptors are also enjoying great starts from their other key players. Kyle Lowry is returning from his old scoring ways as he is at 21.6 PPG, while Fred VanVleet is breaking out with 17 PPG – both guards are also dishing out 7 APG.

PREDICTION:

The Bucks will come out with a lot of energy and draw first blood in the season series. The clash between Giannis and Siakam should be as exciting as any match-up on the day.