For both the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks, at this point in the season, every game matters. For the Bucks, they’re in first place in the Eastern Conference, but it’s hardly a comfortable lead; they’re just two games up on both the surging 76ers, winners of 8 straight games, the Boston Celtics, who are struggling at the moment (for them) but could get back on track any day. Locking up that valuable one-seed, and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs, is critical.
For the Raptors, they’re also looking to grab homecourt, but in a very different way — as the 8th (or, less likely, 7th) seed in the conference.