The Magic are set to play the Bucks in the second game of their opening-round series in Orlando, FL today. The Magic look to do what no 8-seed has done in eight years, make it out of the first-round series. And if the way they played last game is any indication, it is possible.
It didn’t matter that they were short-handed. Every player stepped up, and Nikola Vucevic was out there making it rain like a superstar. He continues to be one of the most underrated big men in the NBA.
Milwaukee, on the other hand, will look to break their funk on Thursday. Some believe that the weekday afternoon start got to them and played a role in their untimely effort. But there is really no excuse for a team as dominant as the Bucks to drop any games to this team.
They’ll probably come out with a vengeance from the opening tip, and hope that Khris Middleton can step his game up.
ODDS:
The spread for today’s game favors the Bucks by a whopping 12.5 points. The over/under is set at 227.
Orlando Looking for More Magic
After their 122-110 win, these guys are feeling good. The Magic struggled in the regular season seeding games in the bubble, so to see this won, that’s huge.
The system was in place and effective, with Nikola Vucevic draining shots from all over the floor. The same was true of fill-in starter Gary Clark in the first half, making three triples.
It was the shot-making ability of Terrence Ross that helped carry them through the fourth quarter. Evan Fournier’s three long-balls after entering the fourth quarter with zero points played a huge role too. He helped the team put the game away and stave off the hopeful champs in the opening game.
Signs would point toward Aaron Gordon being out tonight, but if he’s back, they’ll get a nice lift. He can knock the three down, and he defends well.
Bucks Try to Even the Series
There is no doubt that they will be coming full throttle in this one. The way they played in the first game is not something that we’ll likely see repeated. They have several All-Stars and dominant defensive players. The standards they hold themselves to are just so much higher.
Antetokounmpo had a big statistical performance but disappeared down the stretch as the team attempted its comeback. And seeing him struggle like that is disheartening for Bucks fans, even if it is only the first game of the playoffs. But it will turn from overreaction to danger if they cannot correct their mistakes.
Antetokounmpo will have a huge night to remind folks why he was the MVP. And his free throws might go through the hoop. It’s all about adjustments. We’ll see what they have in store.
Milwaukee Bounces Back
The series will be 1-1. And Giannis’ big day will play a big part in that. The Bucks even things up!
FREE PLAY: MIL -12.5
100% up to $3,000 Bonus
Bovada is our most recommended ONLINE CASINO and POKER ROOM for US players with excellent deposit options. Get your 100% signup bonus today.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.