- What: NBA Cup Game
- When: December 10, 2024
- Who: Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks
- Time: 4:30 p.m. PST
- Where: Fiserv Forum (Milwaukee, WI)
The Orlando Magic will play the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals.
Unfortunately, the Magic have faced another setback with Franz Wagner suffering a torn oblique, joining Paolo Banchero, who has also dealt with a similar injury.
Despite these challenges, Orlando has shown resilience and continues to find ways to compete. Without Banchero this season, the Magic have maintained a solid record of 14-7.
Orlando Magic
In fact, they recently played their first game without Wagner on Sunday and managed to secure a victory against the Phoenix Suns. Embracing a “next man up” mentality, the Magic consistently rise to the occasion.
The Magic excel at playing tight defense, allowing only 103.3 points per game—making it the lowest in the NBA. They also rank ninth in limiting opponents’ field goal percentage and in the fewest attempts taken against them.
By controlling the pace of the game, the Magic often frustrate their opponents. To have any chance of defeating the Bucks while dealing with their own roster challenges, Orlando needs to maintain a slower tempo in this matchup.
NBA Cup Quarterfinals ????
????: @Bucks
????: Milwaukee, WI
????: 7 P.M.
????: @FanDuelSN_FL, @NBAonTNT
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????: https://t.co/2qKvB3PhYS pic.twitter.com/cNIseneErL— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 10, 2024
Furthermore, the Magic are effective at preventing easy scoring opportunities. Opponents get about 22 free throw attempts per game against them, yet they possess the fourth-lowest free throw percentage in the league.
Importantly, the Magic tend to foul the right players. Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently struggling with his free throw shooting, making it likely he’ll be at the line frequently during this game.
If Orlando keeps up their strong defensive performance, they’ll have a good shot at covering the spread.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have been performing well recently, sporting an impressive 8-2 record over their last 10 games, which has pushed them above the .500 mark.
During this stretch, they’ve been averaging 116.2 points per game, close to three points higher than their season average.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is emerging as a leading candidate for MVP this season.
He tops the NBA with an impressive average of 32.5 points per game, ranks fifth with 11.2 rebounds, and sits at 21st with 6.2 assists. Additionally, Giannis boasts a shooting percentage exceeding 60% from the field.
Hosting the Magic in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals. pic.twitter.com/ef7COmxx4e
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 10, 2024
Known for his aggressive drives to the basket, he consistently finishes strong, even through contact. Remarkably, he has reached at least 30 points in seven of his last eight games.
If Giannis maintains this level of play, the Bucks are likely to secure the victory and move on to the semifinals of the NBA Cup.
On the defensive side, Milwaukee has allowed 111.1 points per game. If they can maintain their current level of play, they have a strong chance of winning this matchup.
While the Magic have a solid defensive lineup, their scoring ability leaves much to be desired.
Magic-Bucks Best Bet
If you take away key players like Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, they struggle even more to put points on the board. As a result, the Magic rank as the fifth-lowest scoring team in the league and hold the eighth-lowest field goal percentage.
Additionally, they have the lowest three-point shooting percentage in the NBA. Given these offensive challenges, it’s likely that the Bucks will be able to outscore them.
This matchup should be interesting. While the Magic have been competitive, I don’t see them winning this one. I’m betting on the Bucks to cover the spread.
The Bucks to cover the 6.5 point spread at -115 odds at BetMGM is the best bet in this one.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
