Hoops Habit
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One nightmare matchup for the NBA’s top seeds in each conference

By Ari Schwartz

Nov 30, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) and guard Trae Young (11) react after timeout against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) and guard Trae Young (11) react after timeout against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Playoffs: Milwaukee Bucks: Toronto Raptors

The Bucks are widely considered favorites in the East, so it shouldn’t be much of a discussion whether they will make it out of the first round or not, but Toronto could at least give them a challenge.

Unlike the last time the two teams matched up in the playoffs, the Raptors don’t have a superstar to compete with Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, Nick Nurse and his assortment of switchable, lengthy defenders remain in the six (at least for now), and that will make things difficult even for a player as dominant as Giannis.

Toronto has the size and length defensively to at least contain Antetokounmpo and make him rely on his teammates more than usual. That’s still not an ideal strategy, as Jrue Holiday and the rest of Milwaukee’s supporting cast have played extremely well this season. However, slowing down Antetokounmpo would at least even out the playing field a bit, giving the Raptors a chance if Fred VanVleet and Scottie Barnes stepped up their play on the offensive end.

Many blame the Raptors’ struggles this season on their poor roster construction, as the majority of the roster is occupied by 6’7” and above forwards who can’t do much offensively. However, when it comes down to stopping the Greek Freak, that may be an advantage.