Bucks game is one of three that will be broadcast for national U.S. audience

The Toronto Raptors will take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in front of a national U.S. television audience on Feb. 18.

The game is one of three that’s being aired in the U.S. in the first half of the Raptors’ season broadcast schedule, announced Friday.

The Bucks game and the Raptors’ game at Boston on March 4 are both being broadcast by TNT, while ESPN will carry their Feb. 24 game at Miami for a U.S. national audience.

In Canada, TSN will broadcast 19 games, including the Raptors’ season-opener Dec. 23 against visiting Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans. Sportsnet has 18 games including the Raptors’ road debut against DeMar DeRozan and the San Antonio Spurs on Boxing Day.

The NBA has only released the first half of the season schedule due to uncertainties around COVID-19.

The Raptors are the lone team playing outside their market this season. Because of Canada’s border restrictions around the global pandemic, they’ll play their home games at Amalie Arena, normally home to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Toronto opens its pre-season Saturday at Charlotte.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2020.