The only East series that wasn’t a sweep continues as the Milwaukee Bucks look to eliminate the Orlando Magic in Game 5, which moved from Wednesday to Saturday after the players' boycott.
After dropping Game 1, the Bucks have ripped off three easy wins, covering double-digit points in each of those victories. Milwaukee opened as a 13.5-point favorite, which equals the highest spread of the series back in Game 1. The total sits at 227 points.
We break down the NBA odds and bring you our best free picks and predictions for the Magic vs Bucks on August 29.
Orlando Magic vs Milwaukee Bucks betting preview
NBA odds to win series
Orlando: +5,000
Milwaukee: -100,000
Injuries
Orlando: Melvin Frazier Jr. F (Probable), Michael Carter-Williams F (Questionable), Mo Bamba C (Out), Aaron Gordon F (Out)
Milwaukee: George Hill G (Questionable)
Find our latest NBA injury reports for every game.
Betting trend to know
Over is 7-1-1 in Magic last nine games following a straight-up loss of more than 10 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Bucks
Against the spread pick
The Bucks have covered in their last three wins with spreads of -13.5, -12.5 and -13. The only game in the series they didn’t cover was Game 1 where they were 13.5-point favorites. Milwaukee didn’t build a double-digit lead until the fourth quarter in Game 4, and this was a game where Milwaukee shot 41.5 percent from three-point range and 49.5 percent overall. They also outrebounded Orlando, had fewer turnovers and fewer fouls — and they barely covered, hitting three last-minute free throws to get the ATS win.
Orlando was nearly tied heading into the fourth quarter, but the Bucks dropped 5 of 7 3-pointers in the fourth and shot 60 percent. That was the difference between Magic spread backers winning and losing. If Milwaukee builds a comfortable lead, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the big guns like Giannis Antetokounmpo get a little break with the series wrapped up. Orlando ain’t winning this game, but has shown it can stay “spread” competitive.
PREDICTION: Orlando +13.5 (-110)
Over/Under pick
The Over is 2-1-1 through four games as the total has stayed pretty consistent after Game 1. Surprisingly, the Magic have scored 30 or more points in eight of 16 quarters as the offense has stayed competitive despite its lack of talent. The Milwaukee defense has allowed Orlando to shoot over 43 percent from the field in the last two games, including 43 percent from behind the arc.
Milwaukee hasn’t had much trouble on offense either. Averaging 121 points over the last two games, the Bucks have made 91 of 173 baskets (52.6%) and are shooting 43 percent from deep over that same stretch. If Milwaukee could start dropping its freebies, the Over could be a no-doubter, especially if Khris Middleton is past his shooting struggles.
PREDICTION: Over 227 (-110)
Player prop pick
Watching this series has made us fall in love with the play of Orlando’s Nikola Vucevic. The only bright spot in the Orlando offense has scored 30 points in three of four games and dropped 31 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists with six 3-pointers in Game 4. Receiving zero help, the former Trojan has dominated Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez through four games and may have an encore in store for Game 5.
Vucevic beat his points total of 21.5 easily in Game 4 and is 3-1 O/U on that prop in the series. However, he hasn’t had more than two wins in any other category (assists, rebounds and 3-pointers). If Milwaukee gets up big, the Magic center might be dropping more from deep.
PREDICTION: Nikola Vucevic Over 23.5 points (-110)
Magic vs Bucks Betting Card
- Orlando +13.5 (-110)
- Over 227 (-110)
- Nikola Vucevic Over 23.5 points (-110)
Did you know that if you parlayed today’s NBA Magic vs. Bucks picks, you could win $59.58 on a $10 bet?
Use our NBA parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
WHERE CAN I BET NBA ODDS?
Many online books and casinos offer bets on basketball odds and props. Check out the best sportsbooks available where you live.
