NBA Playoffs 2017: Power ranking the first round matchups

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Mar 4, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against Toronto Raptors forward P.J. Tucker (2) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beat the Raptors 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

6. No. 3 Toronto Raptors (51-31) vs. No. 6 Milwaukee Bucks (42-40)

Aesthetically, this should be a visually appealing first-round series in the No. 3 vs. No. 6 matchup in the Eastern Conference between the Toronto Raptors (51-31) and the Milwaukee Bucks (42-40). However, these are two lesser known NBA franchises and it could struggle to attract serious ratings in round one.

It’s a shame because the Raptors have an awesome backcourt tandem in point guard Kyle Lowry and shooting guard DeMar DeRozan. If Lowry is healthy, that adds a great deal of intrigue to the series. Otherwise, the Raptors offense will mostly be DeRozan attacking the paint with his great, but not thrilling mid-range game.

Milwaukee is in the playoffs and that means Giannis Antetokounmpo gets to playa on a big stage. The Greek Freak is an absolute physical specimen. He’s longer than a James A. Michener book, but he run like Forrest Gump crossing state lines.

Now that the Raptors have appropriately addressed their power forward crater with the shot-blocking sensation that is Serge Ibaka, it’s a fair fight in the frontcourt in this series. Bucks forward Greg Monroe has carved out a new role as a solid sixth man in the low post. There’s no range to his game, but he will make an impact in this first round series.

The Bucks having Khris Middleton back healthy shooting 3-pointers on the outside only helps Milwaukee in its quest to pull off the first-round upset. Toronto is more seasoned and should win this series. It could go seven and be one of the better matchups in this first round. If one of these teams were called the New York Knicks or the Philadelphia 76ers, this might be the best series in the first round.

Game 1 between the Raptors and the Bucks will 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 15. ESPN will have the telecast from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.