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Raptors-Bucks Preview

Dec 9, 2009 - 5:23 AM By JEFF MEZYDLO STATS Senior Writer

Toronto (9-13) at Milwaukee (9-10), 8:00 p.m. EDT

While the Toronto Raptors have managed to string together some victories, the Milwaukee Bucks are having a hard time winning just one game.

The surging Raptors look to extend their season-high winning streak to four games while trying to send the Bucks to a fifth consecutive loss Wednesday night at the Bradley Center.

Chris Bosh had 21 points with 16 rebounds and Jarrett Jack added 17 points and eight assists in Toronto's 94-88 home win over Minnesota on Wednesday. The Raptors (10-13) have won three in a row - including two on the road - following a season-high five-game losing streak.

One of league's worst defensive teams allowing 108.3 points per contest, Toronto put forth another solid defensive effort after winning 110-78 at Chicago on Saturday.

"We're starting to dial in a little bit," coach Jay Triano said of Toronto's defense. "We've changed a few things and it seems to be working right now."

That helped them overcome a season-low 32.1-percent shooting performance that included a 2-for-21 effort from 3-point range against the Timberwolves.

"A win is a win to me," said Bosh, who's averaging 25.7 points and 14.7 rebounds in his last three games. "I've never been picky in that category. As long as you find a way, that's what it's about."

The Raptors' improvement on the defensive end could pose a challenge for Milwaukee (9-11), which is averaging 95.2 points while losing eight of its last nine contests.

The Bucks, who fell 98-89 at Boston on Tuesday, will try to avoid its longest losing streak of the season when they face the Raptors for the first time in 2009-10.

While Bosh is averaging 25.2 points and 10.5 boards in his last six games against Milwaukee, Toronto might need another big night from Jack.

The fifth-year guard could make his second straight start if Jose Calderon is to miss his second consecutive contest with a sore hip. Jack is averaging 8.7 points this season, but 14.3 and 7.3 assists in his last three games against Milwaukee.

Andrew Bogut had 25 points and 14 rebounds, Ersan Ilyasova scored 19 and rookie Brandon Jennings added 17 Tuesday for the Bucks, who were held below 90 points for the second straight game.

"We still have a lot of work to do," Bogut told the Bucks' official Web site. "We need to get back on track and start winning games."

Bogut broke out after being held to 23 points and 20 rebounds combined in his previous three games. The 7-footer is averaging a modest 11.9 points and 8.5 rebounds in 12 games against Toronto.

Jennings, meanwhile, has seen his production dip. He's averaging 16.0 points on 32.5-percent shooting in his last nine games after scoring 25.3 per game while shooting 47.9 percent through his first 11 contests.

Milwaukee could be without star guard Michael Redd for a seventh straight game due to a sore left knee. He's played three of the team's last 15 contests. Guard Luke Ridnour could also be out after suffering an arm injury against the Celtics.

These teams split their four meetings last season with each winning at home and on the road.