The Toronto Raptors kept their NBA finals hopes alive on Monday by beating the Milwaukee Bucks 118-112 in double overtime in Game 3 of the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals. However, the No.2 seed now trails the Bucks 2-1 in the series with a chance to tie it up in Game 4 at home. Can Kawhi Leonard and company even the series? Bet on the NBA here.
The Raptors battled well on Monday to register their first win in the Eastern Conference Finals. What is more startling is that Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton and Nikola Mirotic all made three field goals each. Moreover, MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo scored just 12 points but the hosts couldn’t put them away. Kawhi Leonard scored a game-high 36 points with teammates Pascal Siakam and Marco Gasol combining for 44 points, 23 rebounds and eight assists.
Leonard also stifled Antetokounmpo who averaged 30 points in the semis against the Boston Celtics throughout the game. The Greek freak scored 12 points on 16 field goal attempts but he finished with 23 rebounds, seven assists and four blocks. If they slow the dominant forward in Game 4, the Raptors might just have a chance again.
For Milwaukee, starting guards Middleton and Bledsoe each went 3 of 16 from the field scoring a combined 20 points. Bench players George Hill and Malcolm Brogdon made seven of Bucks’ 14 threes and combined for 44 points. The starters will have to step up in Game 4 on the road or risk dropping another game.
Milwaukee is 4-1 on the road in the postseason, averaging 118.8 points despite shooting only 33.2 per cent from 3-point range. The Bucks have compensated for those perimeter deficiencies by averaging 23.0 points from the foul line.
This is going to be another scrappy game of fine margins.
Betting tips
Two of the last three games has seen 215.5 points scored. Bucks have the second best offence averaging 116.4 points per game. Therefore, you can back Over 215.5 Points at odds of 1.80.
The Bucks are heavy favourites in Game 4 because we don’t expect Middleton and Bledsoe to shoot terribly again. The Bucks have lost only twice this postseason and remain favourites to win the NBA title. Therefore, you can back an Away Win at odds of 1.65.