Magic vs. Bucks prediction, odds, pick, spread

The Magic come into this game playing very inconsistently as of late, while the Bucks are playing very good basketball in comparison. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with Magic-Bucks prediction and selection.

The Magic looked solid, but were inconsistent, especially on offense. Thanks to Paolo Buncher, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, they have the tools to make another run. However, they need to get healthy and find a way to be more consistent on offense. This could be a huge win for the Magic on the road against one of the best in the Eastern Conference.

The Bucks had a slow start to the season, but have been playing much better lately. The Bucks go with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard has been great as well, making them one of the best duos in the entire NBA. They can make a statement in this game against the Magic and announce that they are a contender in the East over the Magic, despite how good their defense has been.

Here are the Magic-Bucks NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA Odds: Magic-Bucks Odds

Orlando Magic: +5.5 (-108)

Moneiline: +194

Milwaukee Bucks: -5.5 (-112)

Moneilines: -235

More: 211 (-110)

Under: 211 (-110)

How to watch Magic vs. Bucks

Time: 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida/ FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why would magic cover the spread/win

The Magic’s defense is arguably the best in the NBA. They are first in points allowed at 103.2 points per game, 16th in field goal percentage defense and 17th in three-point defense, allowing 36.1% from behind the arc. Paolo Banchero leads the board with 8.4 per game. Also, three players are averaging at least one block, with Goga Bitadze leading the way with 1.6 per game.

Finally, three Magic players are averaging at least one steal per game, with Franz Wagner leading the team with 1.7. The Magic’s defense leads the way, and while they need more than their offense to have a complete game, this defense has the tools to make this a battle in Milwaukee.

Why Dollars Could Cover the Spread/Win

The Magic were terrible on offense. They were 30th in scoring at 104.8 points per game, 26th in field goal percentage at 44.5% and 30th in three-point field goal percentage at 30.8%. Four different Magic players averaged double figures, with banker is the big exception with 28.4 points per game. Banchero is second in assists with 5.3 per game, second only to Wagner, who leads the team with 5.7 per game.

This offense has been extremely bad all year, but the Magic have been able to pull through thanks to their defense. This is a different game as the Bucks have firepower on offense, thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo, where they should score easily.

The Bucks’ offense got off to a slow start, but has been playing much better lately. They are 12th in scoring at 112.7 points per game, seventh in field goal percentage at 47.8% from the field, and second in three-point shooting at 38.6% from behind the arc. Five dollars is in the double digits on average, and Giannis Antetokounmpo leads with 31.4 points per game. Damian Lillard leads the team in assists with 7.3 per game.

This team is going as Giannis, and with Damian Lillard, the duo’s second year has been great after a slow start. They get a tough matchup against a great Magic defense that is by far the best in the NBA. The Bucks have the offensive firepower to score on the Magic, but this defense is no joke. They should pull it off because the Magic can’t score, but it will be the key matchup of the game.

The Bucks defense has been in the middle this season. They are 12th in points allowed at 111.5 points per game, fifth in field goal percentage at 45.3% from the field, and 16th in three-point percentage at 36% f, from behind the arc. They have a great front line with Brook Lopez, Giannis and Bobby Portis. Antetokounmpo leads with 11.9 points per game, while Lopez leads in blocks with 1.9 per game.

Then, with on-ball defense, the two players are averaging one steal, with Damian Lillard leading the way with 1.2 per game. The Bucks have the strength to be great on defense, and this is a great matchup for them to get on track because the Magic have been bad on offense.

Final Magic-Bucks Prediction & Pick

As good as the Magic’s defense is, the Bucks are the more complete team. They have Giannis and Lillard, who can be relied on to score when needed, while Orlando only has that with Buncher. The Magic have had so much trouble scoring, and that’s a huge problem against the Bucks on the road. Take the full team. The Bucks win and cover in an ugly game.

Final Magic-Bucks Prediction & Pick: Milwaukee Bucks -5.5 (-112)