Free Daily NCAAF Lock Pick, Tuesday October 31st: Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois 7:00pmET
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An Eastern Conference showdown is crossing the border on Wednesday when the Milwaukee Bucks (2-1; 1-2-0 ATS) visit the Toronto Raptors (1-3; 2-2-0 ATS) for the first time. This game will be the fifth meeting between the franchises in the 2023 calendar year, with the Bucks taking three of the first four. They also cross paths again in two weeks. For now, Wednesday's 7:00 p.m. EDT in Scotiabank Arena is the most important. What will each team bring into the arena?
The Bucks were fortunate to play their first three games at home, where new guard Damian Lillard could acclimate himself to the team in friendly confines. Monday's win against the Heat was a nice way for Milwaukee to get revenge for last season's playoffs. The Bucks shot 50.6% from the floor, and Giannis Antetokounmpo was the team's leading scorer with 33 points. Bobby Portis added 16 points, eight rebounds, and a +18 in 19 minutes as a reserve. If there is any reason to rag on Milwaukee's 122-point performance, it's that they committed 14 turnovers. The Bucks are 28th in turnover rate right now after finishing an uninspiring 19th last season. However, Milwaukee is shooting well at all three levels and getting to the free throw line at the NBA's second-highest rate. A high volume of threes has r eturned from last year's version of the Bucks. If this team ever learns how to hit free throws at a high clip, they may be unstoppable.
Onto the defense, which has not been pretty after three games sans Jrue Holiday. A high tempo doesn't help, but Milwaukee is allowing 119.3 points per game. Forcing misses from high-efficiency areas is their greatest issue. Opponents have shot 71.2% at the rim and 41.5% from beyond the arc against the Bucks. Those rank 27th and 30th league-wide, respectively. The Bucks have also allowed a lot of free throws, granted the teams they've faced don't help that cause. Milwaukee is still strong on the glass and solid at forcing turnovers. Guarding the paint and three-point line, where most teams want to shoot, will need to improve.
Free Daily NCAAF Lock Pick, Tuesday October 31st: Central Michigan vs Northern Illinois 7:00pmET CLICK TO SEE PICK NOW