The Orlando Magic (17-9) and Milwaukee Bucks (12-11) will meet in the NBA Cup quarterfinals tonight. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The game will broadcast live on TNT.
The Bucks are 7-point home favorites over the Magic on the spread (Bucks -7), with the over/under set at 215 total points. Milwaukee is a -285 favorite to win outright, while Orlando is +230 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Magic vs. Bucks predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, December 10.
Magic vs. Bucks Picks, Prediction
Spread
My Bucks vs. Magic best bet is on Milwaukee to cover the spread (-7), with the best line available at Caesars. But as always, be sure to shop for the best price using our live NBA odds page.
Moneyline
I do not have a moneyline pick for this contest. However, I will be backing the Bucks in a different market tonight.
Over/Under
I'm staying away from the total in this spot.
My Pick: Bucks -7
Magic vs. Bucks Odds
| Magic Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7 -110 | 215 -110o / -110u | +230 |
| Bucks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7 -110 | 215 -110o / -110u | -285 |
- Magic vs. Bucks spread: Bucks -7
- Magic vs. Bucks over/under: 215
- Magic vs. Bucks moneyline: Magic +230, Bucks -285
- Magic vs. Bucks best bet:Bucks -7
Magic vs. Bucks NBA Cup Preview
The Magic face off against the Bucks in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals and this is a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions with their injury luck. The Bucks recently welcomed back Khris Middleton (ankle) and although Giannis (knee) is also listed as Probable for this game, it would truly be stunning if he sat out.
As for the Magic, they will be without both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner who each are dealing with oblique injuries – as their two primary offensive options they will be limited on that end of the floor. They also will miss Gary Harris (hamstring) and Jonathan Isaac (hamstring) is questionable for this matchup as well.
The major issue for the Magic this season has been their offense. They are 23rd in Adjusted Offensive Rating (110.5) and have been buoyed by their second-ranked Defensive Rating (107.1), per Dunks and Threes. When Franz and Paolo have been were off the court, the team scores scored just 100.7 points per 100 possessions for a an -8.8 point differential, per Cleaning the Glass.
That's despite the defense still maintaining a mark in the 78th percentile in those minutes. In the last game against the Suns Jalen Suggs (32.5%), Mo Wagner (28.2%), and Goga Bitadze (26.4%) led the Magic's Usage and I would expect a similar allocation of minutes and Usage here.
As for the Bucks, Giannis has been playing at an MVP-caliber level all season. He is averaging 32.5 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists and even though this is a tough matchup on paper, Giannis always seems to get into the teeth of Orlando's defense. In the last two seasons he has dominated against Orlando with 37, 35, 31, and 34 points in those games. I will grab Giannis to score 30+ Points (-120 FD), a number he's exceeded in 67% of games this season.
Magic vs. Bucks Predictions, Best Bets
While Orlando's defense can often keep them in any game; this Bucks' offense is gelling at the perfect time and over the last two weeks they are scoring 119.5 points per 100 possessions. Additionally, Orlando has struggled significantly when playing teams in the top-10 in Offense.
They are just 1-5 with a -13.9 point differential. The Bucks have also struggled some against top defenses; however, given the injuries for Orlando, I do not think they will be able to generate enough consistent offense in this spot.
I'll lay the points with Milwaukee. And for a SGP, I'd play Bucks ML, Giannis 30+ Points, and Mo Wagner 10+ Points.
Best Bet: Bucks -7 (-110)
Same Game Parlay: Bucks Moneyline, Giannis Antetokounmpo 30+ Points, Mo Wagner 10+ Points (+212)
