OGT: Nov 21 Bucks (7-5) @ Raptors (9-2) 7:30 pm EST

[Legends66NBA7]

Game Preview: http://www.nba.com/games/20141121/MILTOR/gameinfo.html

The Toronto Raptors continue to make a name for themselves with gritty fourth-quarter play.

They'll try to improve upon the East's best record Friday night when they host the Milwaukee Bucks, who are seeking a third straight road win for the first time in two years.

Toronto (9-2) took care of the West's top team with a 96-92 home win Wednesday over Memphis, though the Grizzlies were missing two starters due to a stomach virus.

The Raptors, who were held to a season-low 42 points in the first half, outscored Memphis 27-17 in the fourth quarter. They are averaging an NBA-best plus-5.4 margin in the fourth quarter, with Portland the next-best team at plus-3.5.

Toronto is allowing just 21.2 points per game in the final 12 minutes and has outscored all but two opponents, sporting a plus-53 advantage in its last five.

Terrence Ross was particularly impressive late, going 5 for 7 for 14 points in the fourth quarter after starting off 1 for 7. He has averaged 8.8 points in his last four fourth quarters.

"Like most players, I think when you see the ball go in the hoop it opens you up and gets you going," coach Dwane Casey told the team's official website. "A winning player will find other ways to contribute and that's what T did. He was down on himself a little bit but got himself going by watching the ball go through the hole and seeing another one go through the hole."

Ross averaged just 7.5 points on 29.0 percent shooting as Toronto swept last season's four meetings. DeMar DeRozan, who is averaging a team-best 21.2 points per game, has shot 37.9 percent in his last six meetings with the Bucks.

The Bucks (7-5) have won three in a row after not winning consecutive games last season. They can earn their eighth victory 29 games earlier than in 2013-14 after not reaching that mark until Jan. 22.

Milwaukee had dropped five straight overtime games going back to last season prior to Wednesday's 122-118 triple-overtime win at Brooklyn. Brandon Knight made a tying 3-pointer with 20 seconds left in the second overtime and free throws with 5.6 left in the third overtime. Knight was 5 of 20 from the field and missed what would have been the winning layup with two seconds left in the first extra period.

"My teammates trusted me to make the next shot to force a third overtime, so that's really what it's all about," Knight said. "And we stuck through it as a team."

Rookie Jabari Parker scored a season-high 23 on 8-of-13 shooting and is shooting 55.1 percent over his last seven games after hitting 36.1 percent in his first five.

At 3-4, Milwaukee is already two road wins shy of its total from last season. The Bucks haven't won three in a row away from home since their first three road contests in 2012-13.

Toronto, which is closing out a seven-game homestand, is allowing just 93.4 points per game while going 7-1 at Air Canada Centre.

The Bucks are averaging a minus-0.6 margin in the fourth quarter, though they outscored the Raptors 101-99 in the fourth quarter in last season's series.

[pastis]

who would thought that this will be a nic game to watch?

tanking and a good coach can be the right decision.

[COLOR="White"]go knicks[/COLOR]

[Bcogswell]

I'll be at work for most of the game.. LETS GO RAPTORS!

[Milbuck]

Should be a fun game if all goes right, but I have a feeling this could get real ugly for the Bucks. Especially after such a fun, tough win against Brooklyn..we're due for a huge disappointment game.

Think Giannis is a GT decision, not sure how I feel..one one hand I'd love to see him go against Derozan and Ross (and Caboclo, though I don't know if he's in the rotation or not)..but it's November and I wouldn't mind him resting that ankle.

[BurningHammer]

This will be tougher than expected for the Raps, but I think they are gonna go through.

[BurningHammer]

[BurningHammer]

Just noticed days ago also than Eric Smith is now the radio play-by-play guy instead of Paul Jones. It's gonna take some times to get used to his voice.

[n00bie]

Looking forward to watching Jabari Parker.

[Twiens]

Should be a fun game if all goes right, but I have a feeling this could get real ugly for the Bucks. Especially after such a fun, tough win against Brooklyn..we're due for a huge disappointment game.

Think Giannis is a GT decision, not sure how I feel..one one hand I'd love to see him go against Derozan and Ross (and Caboclo, though I don't know if he's in the rotation or not)..but it's November and I wouldn't mind him resting that ankle.

No Bruno yet, maybe next year

[BurningHammer]

No Bruno yet, maybe next year

Have Raps sent him to D-League yet?

[n00bie]

Raps looking good early.

[BurningHammer]

Pretty much one-sided to the Raps so far

[Twiens]

Have Raps sent him to D-League yet?

I'm 95% sure that's a no, usually in a suit.

[Twiens]

Lou hits some ridiculous shots

[n00bie]

Wow, raps bench destroying the bucks. Maybe we'll see a Bruno sighting today? He looks suited up to play.