Even though the Milwaukee Bucks have slipped down the stretch, they're still in control of their own playoff destiny.
The Bucks must get back on track in order to punch a ticket to the postseason and will host the Toronto Raptors Saturday at the Bradley Center. The Bucks have lost two straight, three of four and seven of the last nine games, but are five games ahead of Philadelphia for the final playoff spot.
Milwaukee dropped a 101-83 decision to the red-hot New York Knicks Friday night at Madison Square Garden as Carmelo Anthony recorded his third straight game of 40 or more points to lead the hosts. Brandon Jennings had 25 points for the Bucks, who got 18 points from J.J. Redick. Larry Sanders scored nine points to go along with 12 rebounds.
"Those guys were knocking down threes after threes," Jennings said.
New York made 12-of-36 3-pointers and scored 14 points off 13 turnovers.
After hosting the Raptors, Milwaukee will hit the road again for four in a row against Miami, Orlando, Atlanta and Charlotte. The Bucks are 20-19 at home.
Toronto will continue its final road trip of the season, a three-game jaunt that started with Friday's 95-93 win at Minnesota.
Rudy Gay scored a game-high 26 points and DeMar DeRozan added 25 for the Raptors, who have won two straight and three of five games.
"Great team win tonight by us," said Gay. "We gotta keep taking steps in the right direction."
Jonas Valanciunas, who was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for March, scored 12 points in a winning cause.
The Raptors own an 11-27 record as the visitor and will close out the trek Tuesday against Chicago.
Toronto is 0-2 against Milwaukee this season and has lost nine in a row, 11 of 12 and 14 of the past 19 meetings between the teams. The Raptors have struggled recently at the Bradley Center, losing seven straight there.
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