The Orlando Magic (33-40, 8th in Eastern Conference) will take on the Milwaukee Bucks (56-17, 1st EC) Tuesday at HP Field House for a 1:30 p.m. ET tip-off in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. We analyze the Magic-Bucks NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Magic vs. Bucks: Key injuries
Magic
- PG Michael Carter-Williams (foot) doubtful
- PF Aaron Gordon (hamstring) questionable
- PF Jonathan Isaac (knee) out
- C Mo Bamba (COVID evaluation) out
Bucks
- PF Ersan Ilyasova (elbow) out
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Magic vs. Bucks odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Bucks 125, Magic 109
Moneyline (ML)
The Bucks (-1112) are huge moneyline favorites over the Magic (+675) in Game 1 of this playoff series and it’s not hard to understand why. The Bucks finished the regular season with the NBA’s best record, while Orlando finished the season seven games below .500 and will be without several key players.
While Milwaukee should be able to handle business easily, PASS on the moneyline here as it doesn’t present enough value on either side.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The BUCKS -12.5 (-110) are double-digit favorites over the Magic (+12.5, -110) and yet, that is still the smart play in this contest. Orlando averaged just 107 points per game during the regular season, seventh-worst in the NBA. While their defense can be good at times, they are going to have trouble slowing down the Bucks and their top-ranked offense.
Expect this game to stay close for a while, but for Milwaukee to cover the 12.5-point spread by the end of this contest and win by more than 13 points.
Over/Under (O/U)
The total for this Eastern Conference playoff matchup is set at 224.5 points, which feels a tad too low considering just how strong the Bucks offense has been this season.
Milwaukee averaged nearly 119 points per game in the regular season and with the Magic missing a few key defenders, it seems likely the Bucks will surpass that number in Game 1.
Take the OVER 224.5 (-110) as the Bucks should clear 120 points in this game.
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