1/3/19 Sports Betting Matchup Breakdown: Toronto Raptors at San Antonio Spurs(USA TODAY Sports)`

The Milwaukee Bucks opening up the Eastern Conference Finals up 2-0 seems like a distant memory. In Game 5, Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors to a 105-99 victory in Milwaukee to put the Bucks on the brink of elimination. Tonight, the Bucks play for their postseason lives on the road in Toronto. Here’s a sports betting recap of Game 5 and a look ahead to tonight’s tilt in the north.

The Raptors were massive underdogs in Game 5 — playing a game on the road as 7.5-point underdogs. Don’t tell that to Kawhi Leonard — who continued to dominate the series with a 35-point, 7-rebound, 9-assist performance. “I’m not afraid of the moment,” quoted Leonard. “This is what I work out for in the summer. I’m just trying to win. It’s a matter of me being aggressive and don’t shy away from anything.” The leg soreness Leonard labored through in the previous two games clearly did not hamper him in the big road victory.

Fred VanVleet — fueled by the full-proof new baby narrative — scored 21 points, making seven three-pointers. Kyle Lowry added 17 and the Raptor find themselves in a position tonight to clinch a series in front of their home fans and move on to the NBA finals with the two-time defending champion Golden State.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 24 points in defeat while Eric Bledsoe added 20 points in the loss. The Bucks struggled from beyond the arc — shooting 32% — and turned the ball over 11 times. Milwaukee lost the points off turnovers battle — 19-7 — a department they usually win on their home court.

The Raptors are 2.5-point favorites at home in Game 6 on FanDuel Sportsbook with the game total resting at 212 points.

Stat of the Day

Fred VanVleet was the first player in Toronto Raptors history to make seven 3-pointers off the bench in the NBA playoffs. Per Elias Sports Burea, the last player to do so was Channing Frye in 2016 for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Prop Shop: NBA Futures Props on FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook is getting a jump on NBA finals futures despite the Eastern Conference Finals still hanging in the balance. Here are a few interesting bets available at the time of this writing.

The Bucks — previously a massive favorite to make the finals — are now +550 to win the NBA championship. After going up 2-0, bettors likely would have pounded those odds. Facing potential elimination tonight, the Bucks stand in front of a massive mountain before cashing in on those odds.

Milwaukee is +122 tonight to beat the Raptors on the road. The price for Milwaukee to make the comeback and win two games is +194. If bettors think the Bucks can win the series — the current price could be a better bargain than trying to roll over profits. The Bucks would likely be favored — heavily — at home if the series gets to a Game 7.

Stephen Curry is -112 to win the NBA Finals MVP with hobbled teammate Kevin Durant sitting at +750. Kawhi Leonard is next in line at +400 with Giannis resting at +650 to make the comeback and win the MVP award.

Read More

The Breakfast Pick

The Raptors are sitting on the precipice of making their first NBA Finals in front of their home crowd. Prior to this postseason, Toronto never moved on past the first round. Kawhi Leonard and the experience of this team seem to be the difference.

Milwaukee was widely considered the best team in the East throughout the regular season and through the postseason prior to the last three game. In fact, the Raptors needed double-overtime to avoid going down 3-0 in Game 3.

That said, Toronto has been stellar at home throughout the playoffs, controlling the pace and getting great performance after great performance from their star — Kawhi Leonard. On the precipice of history — and being able to set the tone with the pace of play — the Raptors will look to make history tonight. If not, Toronto will face a pretty big uphill battle in a potential Game 7. Breakfast Lean: Toronto Raptors -2.5 Points and Under 212 Points

Quick Links

Ryan Gutzler discusses the launch of Harrah’s Online Sportsbook in Pennsylvania.

Matt Schmitto breaks down the good, the bad, and the ugly regarding Tennessee Online Sports Betting.

Thomas Casale and Matt Schmitto pick some win totals and talk Super Bowl futures.

2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year odds. Who is the favorite and who is undervalued? Thomas Casale has you covered.

Follow us on Twitter @RGSportsBetting.Have you downloaded the SharpSide app yet? Download it, keep track of your bets, seek and give advice with the rest of the SharpSide community.