The Milwaukee Bucks look to tie the season series against the Orlando Magic at one game apiece. They got held under the century mark in the first meeting in a 112-97 defeat.
Catch the game tomorrow at (9:00 AM, Manila time.
AWAY: Orlando Magic (16-10, 5-7 AWAY)
Projected starting five:
- Jalen Suggs
- Gary Harris
- Franz Wagner
- Paolo Banchero
- Wendell Carter Jr.
The young, hungry, and talented Magic, who are top 4 in points allowed and defensive rating, will remain as a silent threat, but they are in a funk right now. They have lost five of their last seven games, averaging just 107.5 PPG with a -5.6 net rating in that span.
What they’ll be drawing confidence from, however, was that 15-point win over the Bucks this past month, where they held that high-powered offense to just 97 points, albeit Damian Lillard’s absence.
Rising forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who are both at the 20 PPG mark this season, will lead the way. Guards Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs will be there for scoring support – the former is coming off a 20-point game, while the latter had 20 in that aforementioned win against the Bucks.
Big man Wendell Carter has returned from injury and his presence could be key, although he may sit since it’s Day 2 of a back-to-back.
HOME: Milwaukee Bucks (20-7, 15-2 HOME)
Projected starting five:
- Damian Lillard
- Malik Beasley
- Khris Middleton
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Brook Lopez
The Bucks are on a five-game winning streak. They are lighting defenses up for 135.8 PPG on 51.7% shooting in that frame, with an average winning margin of 14.4 points. Such is true to their top 3-ranked scoring and offensive rating.
Look for the Bucks to be aggressive as they try to get a win back from Orlando. It’s somewhat concerning that they lost by 15 points with Giannis Antetokounmpo having 35 points, 10 boards, seven assists, four steals, and two blocks on 15-of-22 shooting. However, Damian Lillard was sidelined in that contest. He’s coming in hot tomorrow as he has dropped 33, 39, and 40 points on a combined 18 threes over his last three games. With that, Giannis should be more energized to inflict more damage.
Defense will be key for Milwaukee as the team is just 23rd in points allowed and 20th in defensive rating. The good thing, though, is the group has Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, and Middleton on deck, who are still dangerous defenders regardless of the struggles.
PREDICTION:
Handicap: The Bucks (-7.5) cover the spread.
Over/Under: The total goes over 235.
