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Eastern Conference playoffs preview – Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks

By Matthew Hallett

Dec 11, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball against Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) in the first quarter at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball against Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) in the first quarter at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors’ Norman Powell (24) takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors’ Norman Powell (24) takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

The X-Factor

Both starting units are strong in this playoff matchup. An X-factor from the bench will go a long way to deciding games.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks X-factor is the Moose, Greg Monroe. The Bucks reserve center is an offensive powerhouse who can carry the second unit on his back if he needs to. He is at his best when playing with Brogdon. They have a chemistry between them usually reserved for veterans who have played together for years.

If Jabari Parker was playing, I think that Tony Snell would be coming off the bench. His range and solid play would have made a big difference to the bench unit. Parker is out and Snell is starting so we will never know what a difference maker he could have been as a sixth man.

Toronto Raptors

The Toronto bench is so deep that asking for an answer as to who will be an X-Factor is like asking which Ferrari you want to drive. They are all so good. However, the difference maker off the bench for this series, and probably the entire NBA Playoffs will be Norman Powell.

This 6-foot-4 second year shooting guard is going to be a solid contributor in the league. He has only averaged 8.4 points per game for the season but should step it up for the NBA Playoffs. There is going to be a lot of focus on Lowry and DeRozan, that is certain. The ability of Powell to come in and generate offense to take the pressure of his two stars will go a long way in deciding how far Toronto go in the NBA Playoffs.

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