Milwaukee Bucks (#1 Seed) 

Regular Season: 60-22 

Record vs Toronto: 3-1 

Record in Playoffs 8-1 

vs 

Toronto Raptors (#2 Seed)

Regular Season: 58-24 

Record vs Milwaukee: 1-3 

Record in Playoffs: 8-4 

UT's Breakdown:

Superstar Matchup: Giannis vs Kawhi - 
I'm not going to give a distinct edge to either guy in this matchup. I'd choose Giannis , others choose Kawhi but they are both superstars and probably the two best players in the playoffs and have been on a collision course in the East. Should be a great back and forth matchup but I must say to bring it back to an early point I made , it was interesting watching the game last night when Kawhi was getting doubled and tripled finally , interesting to watch his efficiency plummet and somewhat proving my point: it's not as easy to keep your numbers up when you are the only focus of the opposing team. To his credit he fought through it and hit some incredible shots to vault Toronto forward. I also must add that Kawhi has a history of nagging injuries and played his ass off so far in the playoffs while Giannis is about as rested as a superstar can be at this point. Something to keep in mind the longer this series tends to go. Also Coach Bud needs to finally take the handcuffs off Giannis's minutes in the game and let him play - the time is now. 
Edge: Push 

2nd Star: Kris Middleton vs Pascal Siakam - 
It was tough picking a second star for Toronto given how much Siakam shrunk in the big moments of game seven. He's still a young player and a really good defender who's capable of taking over stretches of the game with his athleticism though. Middleton on the other hand has proven he's playoff ready and is a perfect running mate for Giannis capable of knocking down shots anywhere on the floor and playing good defense. His shooting sets him apart and I think this right now is a clear win for the Bucks. 
Edge: Milwaukee 

The Point Guards: Kyle Lowry vs Eric Bledsoe - 
Maybe the most interesting matchup outside of the superstars as both of these guys can run really hot and cold at times - and when they are hot their teams seem like they're unbeatable. I don't know which way to go on this one , Lowry has a history of coming up small in big games but Bledsoe can go to hero ball to often much to the success or detriment of his team. Whichiever guard plays more consistently from beginning to end of the series is probably going to the finals.
Edge: Push

The Aging Centers: Brook Lopez vs Marc Gasol - 
Seems like it should be an easy win for Toronto based on name value alone but Gasol hasn't been that great in the playoffs so far and has to have his time on the floor monitored. Brook couldn't stay on the floor for times against Boston because but I like this matchup better for him down low against Gasol. Both guys numbers in the playoffs are pretty much equal but I'll give the slightest of edge to Gasol for his grittiness and experience in the playoffs and the fact he's had to be there in big moments for Memphis at points in his career. 
Edge: Toronto

The Bench and Role Players: 
I think Milwaukee has a huge edge here and it's really been their calling card all season and even in the postseason. They have so many different ways they can go and now with Brogdon back we add even more shooting and flexibility with the lineups. Not too mention Hill has having a great playoffs and Mirotic is a valuable big off the bench that may have to come out and matchup with Gasol. Toronto's depth is scary , VanVleet is good for energy but not much else and depending on where else they go to off the bench I just don't see how their team matches up with Milwaukee who probably has the best depth in the playoffs and whole NBA. Shout out to Ibaka though who is capable of big games. I just hope they are limited in this series. 
Edge: Milwaukee 

Coaching: Bud vs Nurse: 
I have a hard time with this one. Both coaches have left me scratching my heads for stretches of games but both have made some good moves as well. I love what Bud did after the first loss to the Celtics and blowing them out of the water every game since and that Philly series was fully of adjustements by both teams. I think Bud has more pieces to play with and lineups to throw at Toronto so he might just get the edge by default. 
Edge: Milwaukee

Intangibles 
This is honestly what scares me the most in this series. Milwaukee is still young , and while they got swagger I'm not sure they always play with the urgency needed in the playoffs and seemed pretty relaxed. That could be good or bad depending on how you want to look at it. Toronto has some big game players with Kawhi and his experience in the playoffs and huge game ... not to mention Danny Green has a similar history with the Spurs. Add to that some hard nosed veterans like Gasol and it'll be interesting. Also an X-Factor: This could be Kawhi's last (and only) season in Toronto so maybe he really feels he has something to prove and you know that everyone else on that team might know this is their only real window to win a title. Especially with the Durant injury. Again this is the factor that makes me the most nervous. I will say though that Milwaukee's team chemistry is incredible and hopefully that can carry them past the lack of experience.
Edge: Toronto

Team X- Factor: Rest 
I mentioned earlier that Milwaukee is incredibly rested right now after making fairly quick work of the opponents in each of the first two rounds. This team is already young and should have the fresher legs. Toronto is coming off a brutal seven game series where they faced an incredibly athletic Sixers team and just played a shit ton of minutes in a grueling game seven. I'll be interested to see if this is a factor right away in Game One with shaky legs or something that continues to stand out if the series goes long. I honestly think that this is a pretty big advantage for the Bucks right now. 
Edge: Milwaukee 


X-Factors Milwaukee: Malcolm Brogdon 
His return is important and while Connaughton played great , Brogdon is a better defender and facilitator and more clutch shooter. If he can assimilate right back to the team without missing a beat we are going to be a tough team to beat 4/7 games. 

X-Factors Toronto: Pascal Siakam
He can't come up with a game like he did last night in Philly and Toronto needs him to be the second scorer/playmaker to stand a chance. Kawhi can't jack up 40 shots a game with that type of efficiency and expect the Raptors to win. 


Overall: I'm a homer so of course I'm going to pick Milwaukee. I just think people tend to sleep on them because they are the Bucks and don't give credit to the season they had or the playoff run so far. They have arguably the best player in the league surrounding by a team that was built to maximize his skill set and they are young but hungry with something to prove. Toronto is gritty and will get a few games but my ultimate pick is Milwaukee in Six. 

Lets Go Bucks! Good luck RT and the other Raptors fans. 

And let's not forget that there is a Western Final. But really, it almost seems like a Finals warm-up for the Warriors. They'll probably take Portland out in five.

Oh, and GO RAPTORS!!!

May 13, 2019 17:31:31 GMT CM Punk'd said:

And let's not forget that there is a Western Final. But really, it almost seems like a Finals warm-up for the Warriors. They'll probably take Portland out in five.

Oh, and GO RAPTORS!!!

Wait you mean there’s two conferences?

So a new thread was made to praise Milwaukee? I see.

Go Toronto!

I praised both teams , just picked Milwaukee and thought it could be an interesting discussion. You're welcome to not talk in it though as I imagine the Offseason thread is a more fitting place for the Knicks fans in May. Or April , probably even February and March for that matter.

Oh, but on the contrary.

I just like to call a tyrant when I see a tyrant. You’re a tyrant who thinks Giannis is better then Kawhi and will be proven wrong.

Part of me thinks the Raptors going to win the series but the other part of me think the Bucks going to win the series i do think this series go to 7.

As for the Warriors/Blazers game Warriors in 5

May 13, 2019 18:54:53 GMT KING KID said:

Oh, but on the contrary.

I just like to call a tyrant when I see a tyrant. You’re a tyrant who thinks Giannis is better then Kawhi and will be proven wrong.

A tyrant? By trying to promote some discussion about the conference finals and stuff I’ve been contemplating about the games for a few days?

As per usual though , thanks for bringing some actual intelligent insight to the sports forum.

No problem UT the tyrant.

As for the other side of the bracket , I think it's the Warriors series quite handily. Lillard , McCollum and Kanter will all have their moments and maybe even steal a game or two but I don't see how they contend with the Warriors in the long run. Especially if Durant is back by game three like is rumored.

The one thing Portland has over Houston is the inside out game , Kanter can rack up points in a hurry on the inside. Looney is a good defender though and I'd expect him to see an uptick in minutes in this series and probably even some decent totals on the offensive end against the revolving door that is Kanter.

Warriors in 5. Six in a perfect scenario for them.

My honest predictions;

Warriors in 6.
Raptors in 6.

I don’t see either series going to 7, but the better teams are going to meet in the Finals.

May 13, 2019 20:51:39 GMT KING KID said:

My honest predictions;

Warriors in 6.
Raptors in 6.

I don’t see either series going to 7, but the better teams are going to meet in the Finals.

I’ll bet you anything that won’t happen. Put my whatever where my mouth is.

If it comes down to a game winning shot I trust Kawhi more than I trust Giannis. The Bucks have got to make sure the games don't come down to that.

May 13, 2019 21:07:34 GMT UT said:

May 13, 2019 20:51:39 GMT KING KID said:

My honest predictions;

Warriors in 6.
Raptors in 6.

I don’t see either series going to 7, but the better teams are going to meet in the Finals.

I’ll bet you anything that won’t happen. Put my whatever where my mouth is.

Let’s bet money on the series then. $100. I got Raptors, you got Bucks. 

May 13, 2019 21:34:25 GMT KING KID said:

May 13, 2019 21:07:34 GMT UT said:

I’ll bet you anything that won’t happen. Put my whatever where my mouth is.

Let’s bet money on the series then. $100. I got Raptors, you got Bucks. 

I’d be more than willing. Already got money on it. There is the trust issue of actually paying up though. I refuse to use PayPal.

I have Venmo and 100% confidence going against you. And I mean, I trust you in paying and you should trust me. I did host a pickem contest and sent the winner a jersey from NFL.com. 

Or we can handle it the old fashioned way; a PW bitch bet.

OR WE CAN DO BOTH!

Or we can do nothing.

While UT decides if his balls are bigger then his mouth;

What a publicity nightmare would a Blazers/Raptors NBA Finals be? Especially with Enes Kanter and his Visa issue.

May 13, 2019 21:39:35 GMT KING KID said:

I have Venmo and 100% confidence going against you. And I mean, I trust you in paying and you should trust me. I did host a pickem contest and sent the winner a jersey from NFL.com. 

Or we can handle it the old fashioned way; a PW bitch bet.

OR WE CAN DO BOTH!

Or we can do nothing.

I also hosted an NFL predictions thing and sent the winner a prize.

How about this Kawhi lover-

You win and I’ll send you a Kawhi Toronto jersey.

I win I get a new Giannis jersey. (Green , I already got white)

May 13, 2019 21:41:28 GMT KING KID said:

While UT decides if his balls are bigger then his mouth;

What a publicity nightmare would a Blazers/Raptors NBA Finals be? Especially with Enes Kanter and his Visa issue.

That and no one would watch. Three less than desirable markets for the NBA.

They need Golden State to make it AND play the villain against the Bucks or Raptors.

May 13, 2019 21:47:35 GMT UT said:

May 13, 2019 21:39:35 GMT KING KID said:

I have Venmo and 100% confidence going against you. And I mean, I trust you in paying and you should trust me. I did host a pickem contest and sent the winner a jersey from NFL.com. 

Or we can handle it the old fashioned way; a PW bitch bet.

OR WE CAN DO BOTH!

Or we can do nothing.

I also hosted an NFL predictions thing and sent the winner a prize.

How about this Kawhi lover-

You win and I’ll send you a Kawhi Toronto jersey.

I win I get a new Giannis jersey. (Green , I already got white)

Kawhi might not even be a Raptor next season. Lol. 

May 13, 2019 22:16:04 GMT KING KID said:

May 13, 2019 21:47:35 GMT UT said:

I also hosted an NFL predictions thing and sent the winner a prize.

How about this Kawhi lover-

You win and I’ll send you a Kawhi Toronto jersey.

I win I get a new Giannis jersey. (Green , I already got white)

Kawhi might not even be a Raptor next season. Lol. 

Kawhi has already reached god status in Toronto just on last night.

May 13, 2019 22:16:04 GMT KING KID said:

May 13, 2019 21:47:35 GMT UT said:

I also hosted an NFL predictions thing and sent the winner a prize.

How about this Kawhi lover-

You win and I’ll send you a Kawhi Toronto jersey.

I win I get a new Giannis jersey. (Green , I already got white)

Kawhi might not even be a Raptor next season. Lol. 

Well if he wins the title he more than likely isn’t leaving and you surely believe he can.

Lol no. I think GS wins the title. I just don’t think Milwaukee wins a best of 7 against Toronto.

Even if Toronto wins the title I think Kawhi is still gone. He's gone get P A Y E D.

Curry is torching the Blazers

My name is Kyle Lowry and I take dumb fucking fouls.

GIANNIS IS GOOD AT FREE THROWS

*GASPS IN TORONTONIAN*

This is a fun game this series should be good

Raptors entirely blew this game. I’m so mad. What the actual fuck.