Raptors vs. Bucks Game Thread: Pre-game updates, TV info & more.

Toronto hosts Milwaukee in a 2017 playoff rematch. Follow the action here.

Milwaukee wasn’t the first team to expose to flaws in the old Raptors in the playoffs. Washington, Indiana, Miami and Cleveland all did that sufficiently before Toronto and the Bucks squared off last April.

Games 1 and 2 of that series were the last straw, though, for fans and Masai Ujiri. An opening-game blitzing and a tenuous finish to what should have been a good-times filled Game 6 made it obvious that Toronto’s aggression-prone offense needed an overhaul.

Through 34 games, the Raptors have made good on their promise to change. The ball is moving more freely, threes are being jacked more liberally, and Toronto’s All-Star guards are trusting their teammates more faithfully.

Tonight’s match-up will provide something of a check-up on the Raptors’ commitment to their 2017-18 resolution. Milwaukee’s long — longer even than it was last spring. John Henson represents a slightly more dependable if less stretchy version of Thon Maker, and Eric Bledsoe’s arms don’t match his position. Bucks fans have been driven to near-insanity by Jason Kidd’s commitment to playing a high-risk scheme built on trapping, swarming and recovering, but it is a tricky defense to break down if you’re carrying even the slightest New Year’s hangover. For the firs time in a month, the Raptors have a chance to prove their new identity has staying power against an opponent that poses a real on-paper threat.

Check out Dan Grant’s fleshed-out preview right here. If there are any last-minute news items, you’ll find them here.

Lineups:

Milwaukee — Eric Bledsoe, Tony Snell, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, John Henson

Toronto — Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka (returning from suspension), Jonas Valanciunas

Where to Watch:

Sportsnet, 7:30pm

Injuries:

Milwaukee — Jabari Parker (knee), Mirza Teletovic (knee)

Toronto — None