The struggling Orlando Magic (4-12) are on the road to face the Milwaukee Bucks (8-8) Saturday for the first of two straight games between the teams. Tip-off from Fiserv Forum is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Magic vs. Bucks odds and lines, and make our expertface NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Magic’s road trip has included a 129-111 loss at the Atlanta Hawks, a 104-98 win over the New York Knicks and most recently a 115-113 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. They have six players scoring in double digits on average, but their leading scorer is G Cole Anthony at 19.6 points per game.
The Bucks have won two games in a row and four of their last six, but following last season’s championship run, they have not strung together a win streak of longer than two games. F Giannis Antetokounmpo is still playing at an elite level as he averages 27.5 points, 11.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.
However, they are scoring less and allowing more points than last season. The Bucks are 16th in scoring (107.2 ppg) and 20th in scoring defense (108.0 ppg allowed).
Magic at Bucks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Magic +500 (bet $100 to win $500) | Bucks -750 (bet $750 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Magic +10.5 (-107) | Bucks -10.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 214.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Magic at Bucks key injuries
Magic (not officially submitted)
- F Jonathan Isaac (knee) out
- G Markelle Fultz (knee) out
- G Michael Carter-Williams (ankle) questionable
Bucks (not officially submitted)
- C Brook Lopez (back) out
- G Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out
Magic at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 110, Magic 101
Money line
PASS on the money line. The Bucks have yet to win three in a row this season, but the Magic have not had anything less than a two-game losing skid before getting another win.
Orlando is 2-10 in conference games, with their only two wins coming against the Knicks.
The Bucks should have no problem with this game.
Against the spread
Orlando and Milwaukee are both 6-10 ATS.
The Magic covered the spread in their last two games. It was the first time all season they have covered the spread in two consecutive games.
The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in their last four games and have not covered a double-digit spread yet this season. The Magic are 3-3 ATS with a double-digit spread.
Take MAGIC +10.5 (-107).
Over/Under
Orlando is 9-7 O/U on the season and the Bucks are 4-12 O/U. Only one team has had fewer games hit the Over than Milwaukee and only two of their last 13 went Over the projected total.
The Magic have alternated the Over and the Under in their last five games.
Take UNDER 214.5 (-107).
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