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Will Jrue Holiday & Giannis Antetokounmpo Play Tonight? Milwaukee Bucks vs Toronto Raptors: Preview, Lineups & Predictions

Published 02/16/2021, 12:00 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Milwaukee Bucks host the Toronto Raptors in this NBA clash as both teams will bid to snap their respective losing streaks. The Raptors will be looking to strengthen their playoff bid (currently lie 8th in the table) with mounting pressure from those below, while the Bucks will be looking to challenge the 76ers at the top of the Eastern Conference table.

Date & Time: February 16, 2021, 8pm ET

Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee

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USA Today via Reuters

Preview | Milwaukee Bucks

They are in a spot of bother now, coming off the back of three consecutive losses. Although their star player Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing at his usual best, much of their problems recently has been because of the absence of Jrue Holiday.

The shrewd defender has been missing the last couple of weeks due to the league’s health and safety protocols. After testing positive for COVID on February, 10, he will again remain sidelined for this one against the Raptors. The Bucks will have to come out all guns firing without him.

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Starting 5 for the Milwaukee Bucks

Guard – Donte DiVincenzo

Guard – Bryn Forbes

Center – Brook Lopez

Forward – Khris Middleton

Forward – Giannis Antetokounmpo

Preview | Toronto Raptors

When the season began, it looked like the Raptors won’t make it to the playoffs. Problems were aplenty for them – having to shift their base to Tampa, losing veteran centers, Ibaka and Gasol, and the poor form of Pascal Siakam. However, showcasing their trademark never-give-up attitude under Nick Nurse, they have turned it around.

Against all expectations, they are on course to make it to the post-season. And much of that has been down to Siakam’s improved form. He is averaging 23.2 points, 4.1 assists, and 6.7 rebounds in his last 10 games at a 48.6% field goal efficiency.

Starting 5 for the Toronto Raptors

Guard – Kyle Lowry

Guard – Fred VanVleet

Center – Aron Baynes

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Forward – Norman Powell

Forward – Pascal Siakam

Predictions | Bucks vs Raptors

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Both the teams will be determined to get out of their rut. The Bucks edge ahead as the slight favorite, but it could yet be anyone’s game. You can never count out the Raptors.

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Written by:

Bharat Aggarwal

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Bharat Aggarwal is a sports analyst for EssentiallySports, covering Formula 1 and NBA. A Delhi University graduate, Bharat has multi-year experience in sports writing, having closely worked with the content strategy aspect as well. Bharat Aggarwal supports Manchester United, Lewis Hamilton, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, Dirk Nowitzki, Sachin Tendulkar, Ayrton Senna, Kristaps Porzingis, and Dallas Mavericks.
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