One week in and everyone seems to still be ignoring the Toronto Raptors. For the reigning champions, this is just how they like it. Let everyone talk about the Pelicans, Grizzlies, Rockets and the Clippers as the other fun stories. Keep focusing on the Bucks and the Lakers as if there is no one else with championship DNA.
The Raptors are one of the few teams that have yet to have a single positive test. As long as the bubble stays secure they look to be in great shape as the season resumes. Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Norman Powell have consistently gotten better with each offseason. If this break in the action got treated the same way, the Raptors could look like an even better bet to defend their title when the action resumes.
Like the Celtics, Toronto will certainly not be starting slowly. The Raptors will face the Lakers for the second time this season. The two teams have not met since Nov. 10 so that game will look quite different than what we see in the bubble. The Raptors were without Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka but still managed to secure a nine-point road win.
That game is the perfect encapsulation of what the Raptors have done this year, having exceeded all expectations. They have a better winning percentage than they did last year and yet no one is talking about them as a threat to win it all. It may just be time for them to shock the world again.
The Milwaukee Bucks are right where we had them last week, despite the news that Pat Connaughton also tested positive for the virus. The Bucks looked strong in scrimmages and Giannis Antetokounmpo confirmed that he was pranking the league when he said he had not touched a basketball during the break.
Looking toward their opening match up with Boston, the Bucks were able to win the second meeting despite Kemba Walker going for 40 points in Milwaukee. The Bucks were a machine, with Giannis going for 32 points, 17 rebounds and seven assists while four other Bucks eclipsed 13 points.
The Bucks were likely confident going into this match up even if the Celtics were completely healthy. With a limited Walker, this should be a quality warm-up outing for the Eastern Conference favorites.
Look to see an increased opportunity for Donte DiVincenzo to showcase his talents. For the uninitiated, he is a big part of the depth the Bucks possess. As they ease the rest of the roster back into action, he may get a longer look and open some eyes.