Bucks at Raptors
THE STORY: The Milwaukee Bucks begin a stretch of four road contests in five games by visiting the Toronto Raptors. The Bucks are just 6-15 on the road and could bolster their Eastern Conference playoff chances with more success away from home. Milwaukee is two games behind New York for the final playoff spot after a home win over the Knicks on Friday. Toronto was routed by the Detroit Pistons on Saturday and is just 7-13 at home.
TV: 6 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Sportsnet One (Toronto)
ABOUT THE BUCKS (16-24): Forward Ersan Ilyasova has been playing the best basketball of his career while averaging 19.1 points and 10.8 rebounds over the past dozen games. Ilyasova made 23 of 31 shots in scoring a combined 58 points over the past two contests. He had a career-high 32 points against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday and came back with 26 points against the Knicks. The native of Turkey has season averages of 11.9 points and a team-leading 8.8 rebounds.
ABOUT THE RAPTORS (13-27): Forward Andrea Bargnani returned after a 20-game absence due to a calf injury and scored eight points in 19-plus minutes against the Pistons. Bargnani scored 20 or more points 10 times in 13 games prior to his lengthy hiatus and should soon be highly productive once he regains his flow and conditioning level. His return was tempered by the loss of point guard Jose Calderon, who left the game with a sprained right ankle and is doubtful for Sunday’s tilt. Calderon has 14 double-digit assist games.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Bucks have won seven of the last eight meetings, including a 105-99 victory on Feb. 8.
2. Milwaukee forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (knee) and guard Shaun Livingston (ankle) are questionable.
3. Toronto guard DeMar DeRozan has seven 20-point outings in the last 10 games.