Toronto Raptors vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Game 6 Prediction, Betting Odds, TV Channel

After looking like they were ready to pull off the biggest upset of the first round, the Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in a must-win situation. The Eastern Conference’s No.6 seed has to win Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors Thursday night in order to stay alive in the 2017 NBA Playoffs.

It wasn’t too long ago that Toronto appeared to be in major trouble, losing two of the series’ first three games and having to play Game 4 in Milwaukee. But the Raptors have rebounded nicely, looking like the team that reached last year’s Eastern Conference Finals.

Conversely, Milwaukee’s youth and inexperience have shown through in the two consecutive losses. Four of the Bucks’ five starters have never won a playoff series, and they’ve lost Game 4 and Game 5 by double-digits after taking a 2-1 series lead. Milwaukee totaled 35 turnovers in the two defeats.

“You definitely see that experience come into play and we just understand the moment probably a little bit more than them. That's not to take away (anything) from them,” Toronto guard DeMar DeRozan told reporters. “They are a great team, a young team and this is definitely going to be an experience they will learn from and carry over but for now it's something we have to keep in mind and understand the moment of going into every single game ... to try and close this thing out.”

The good news for the Bucks is they still have the best player in the series. Other than a poor Game 5, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been stellar against the Raptors, averaging 23.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.6 blocks while shooting 52.8 percent from the field. He’ll have to put up big numbers in order for Milwaukee to have a chance to stave off elimination.

The Raptors are the only team in the East other than the Cleveland Cavaliers with multiple All-Stars on their roster. DeRozan has largely played well, but Kyle Lowry hasn’t exactly been a model of consistency. He’s failed to reach the 20-point mark in four of the five games, and the point guard is shooting less than 41 percent from the field.

Milwaukee might not win the series, but oddsmakers seem to agree that they can force a Game 7. The Bucks are favored by 1.5 points, via OddsShark, and the over/under is 195.

Game 6 starts at 7 p.m. EDT in Milwaukee. TNT will have the TV coverage, and fans can watch a free live stream online at tntdrama.com.

Prediction: Milwaukee over Toronto, 98-94