Two teams at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings clash as the Toronto Raptors travel to face the Milwaukee Bucks in the opening of Emirates NBA Cup play Tuesday night.
For the Raptors, who are coming off a 25-win season last year, their current standing isn’t surprising. However, the 2-8 Bucks’ struggles have been a major talking point this season.
The Bucks squandered another stellar performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo on Sunday against the Celtics. Antetokounmpo scored 43 points and leads the NBA with an average of 31.6 points per game, which has increased to 33.8 over his last five games. Damian Lillard was limited to 14 points by the Celtics, well below his 26-point average.
Coach Doc Rivers appears frustrated with his team’s issues, particularly regarding pace and effort. The Bucks are hopeful that Khris Middleton, the third piece of their Big Three, will return soon. Rivers mentioned that Middleton has been ramping up his activity after suffering an ankle injury.
Injuries have also plagued the Raptors, who have lost four straight games on their current five-game road trip that ends Tuesday. Bruce Brown is sidelined with a knee injury, and Scottie Barnes is out until at least Thanksgiving with an orbital fracture.
Raptors’ lead guard RJ Barrett missed three games due to injury but has performed well since his return. Immanuel Quickley missed eight games with a pelvis injury, and Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic noted that the two are still adjusting to playing together.
The Raptors lead the NBA in 2-point shooting percentage at 65.1 percent, and Jakob Poeltl is averaging a double-double. However, Toronto has the worst defensive rating in the NBA at 120.0.
While it seems like time is running out for the Bucks, Toronto entered the season with measured expectations and there’s no panic about their current standing.
The NBA Cup is an in-season tournament now in its second year. Milwaukee went 4-0 in group play last year but lost in the semifinals to Indiana. Toronto went 1-3 in NBA Cup play last season
