NBA Playoffs 2019: Friday's Live Stream Schedule, TV Info, Odds and More
Many expected the Eastern Conference Finals to produce a duel of superstars between Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo and Toronto's Kawhi Leonard, but the role players stole the show in Game 1.
The question entering Friday's Game 2 at Fiserv Forum is if Brook Lopez, Kyle Lowry and others can shine in starring or supporting roles for the second straight game.
The Bucks are looking to protect home-court advantage just like they did in the first round against Detroit.
Toronto is in search of its fourth road win of the postseason. A Game 2 victory would be the most important result of the playoffs for Nick Nurse's team, which would have a chance to take control of the series at Scotiabank Arena.
Friday NBA Playoffs Information
Game 2: Toronto at Milwaukee
Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: TNT
Live Stream: TNTdrama.com
Odds
Milwaukee (-270; Bet $270 to win $100)
Toronto (+240; Bet $100 to win $240)
Can Lowry Produce At a High Level Again for Toronto?
Lowry finally made a massive impact for the Raptors in Game 1, and it almost paid off in the form of a victory.
In order to challenge the Bucks again in Game 2, Lowry has to produce at a similar clip to the 30 points he scored Wednesday.
Before Wednesday, Lowry reached 20 or more points in two of Toronto's 12 playoff games.
Wednesday's performance also differed from the regular-season numbers Lowry recorded against the Bucks. He scored 19 points in three contests against the Bucks prior to the Eastern Conference Finals.
By adding a third scoring threat alongside Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam, the Raptors have more of a well-rounded offense that can strike from different parts of the court.
But if Lowry reverts back to the scoring form he was in at the start of the semifinal round against Philadelphia, Toronto could head back home down two games in the series.
When the Raptors have a two-dimensional scoring attack led by Leonard and Siakam, they are easier to shut down since opponents can focus on stopping one or both of them or let the rest of the team beat them by challenging Leonard to score on a high volume of shots.
Which Role Player Steps Up Next for Milwaukee?
An argument can be made that Milwaukee is the deepest team left in the postseason.
In Game 1, Lopez emerged as the star by scoring 29 points, but any of the role players in the squad could produce a similar performance in Game 2.
In the semifinal round against Boston, George Hill came off the bench to average 14.2 points per game and Pat Connaughton hit a few key three-pointers.
The difference in Game 2 could come from the Bucks bench when it goes up against a weaker Toronto lineup that is being rotated for stretches of the first half.
Connaughton, Hill and Ersan Ilyasova can all fill up the scoring column during a run, and Lopez could ride a wave of confidence to put together another strong performance.
The scoring depth is important to get past Toronto, and it will be even more important if the Bucks want to give Golden State or Portland their best shot in the NBA Finals.
Antetokounmpo still has to show up in clutch situations, but if his teammates can thrive in supporting roles, it will alleviate some of the pressure felt by the superstar.
Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.
Statistics obtained from Basketball Reference.
