Event of the Day: Toronto Raptors versus Milwaukee Bucks
Our event of the day is a showstopper in the NBA, as the Toronto Raptors welcome the Milwaukee Bucks to the Scotiabank Arena. In this titanic clash, first plays second in the Eastern Conference with both teams vying for the top spot. The Raptors will be getting very close to overtaking the Bucks with a win tonight, whilst Milwaukee will be looking to extend their lead over the rest of the conference, with Mike Budenholzer’s side currently boasting a record of 36-13. Toronto have one of the best home records in the league having lost just four games at the Scotiabank Arena all year, and no other franchise have notched more wins than the Canadian outfit this term. The addition of Kawhi Leonard has been crucial to the Raptors, with the former Spurs man leading the team in points, rebounds and steals on the season. Only three players in the entire league have notched more points per game than Leonard this term and he will be crucial to the Raptors’ championship ambitions. His side are currently enjoying a ten-game winning streak on their home court and haven’t lost in Toronto since the Bucks were last in town back in December.
Milwaukee have been one of the stand-out sides of this NBA season so far and have the best win percentage in the entire league. Despite losing last week at the hands of Oklahoma City, the Bucks are in a great vein of form having won nine of their last 11 games. Only the Golden State Warriors have averaged more points per game than Budenholzer’s men this season, whilst they lead the league in rebounds, grabbing 48.8 per game. Sixth-year man Giannis Antetokounmpo is having an MVP-worthy season for the Bucks, and leads the team in points, assists and rebounds. He has been a powerhouse in and around the net this term and leads the league in points in the paint with 17.3 per game. These two franchises last faced each other at the start of the month, on which occasion the Raptors ran out 123-116 winners over the Bucks, despite Antetokounmpo recording 43 points and 18 assists on the night. Tonight should be another classic between these two sides.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the international cricket in the West Indies as the hosts look to repeat their 1st Test demolishing of England as the 2nd Test gets underway. West Indies won the first test by a resounding 381 runs and the tourists will be desperate to bounce back and find some form in this 2nd test as England go into a huge year of cricket. Elsewhere, in Super League, St Helens will host the defending champion Wigan Warriors in a colossal season opener at the Totally Wicked Stadium. Back in the NBA, the reigning champs are in action as the Golden State Warriors welcome the Philadelphia 76ers to the Oracle Arena in Oakland, with the hosts looking to notch their 12th straight win. In Australia’s Big Bash League, the Hobart Hurricanes welcome the Adelaide Strikers to the UTAS stadium as they look to extend their lead atop the table. The Columbus Blue Jackets will look to snap their three-game losing streak in the NHL tonight as they travel to Winnipeg to face the Jets. Finally, day 2 of the 2019 German Masters gets underway as some of the world’s best snooker players will stake their claims to dethrone reigning champion Mark Williams.Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NBA; Toronto Raptors