The Milwaukee Bucks roll on, taking a run of eight wins in nine games into Saturday night’s clash with the Orlando Magic.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status in doubt, our Magic vs. Bucks predictions will focus on why Orlando may be given a golden opportunity to snap its five-game losing streak.
Let’s dig into some NBA player props and hand out some NBA picks on Saturday, March 8.
Magic vs Bucks prediction
My best bet
Orlando Magic +4.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
It isn’t exactly unheard of for Giannis Antetokounmpo to pop up on the Milwaukee Bucks’ injury report, but with the team announcing on Saturday afternoon that he’s dealing with an illness and the line shooting toward the Orlando Magic.
As a result, it seems we’re going to have to at least anticipate his absence.
What that would mean is that the Magic – riddled with issues defensively – could be afforded a lifeline with one of the most efficient offenses in basketball right now missing the biggest reason for its success.
Not only are the Bucks shooting more than eight points better at the rim with Antetokounmpo on the floor, but their shooting frequency has also increased by 11 points.
Orlando’s rim defense has been one of its steadiest elements this year, ranking 13th in the league, and even with a downturn in defense over the last two weeks, it’s still ranked 17th in an ode to what has gone right throughout this tumultuous season.
If Antetokounmpo sits, the Magic should see a rather drastic improvement defensively, at least for one night, considering the Bucks have shied away from outside shooting over the last 14 days and have seen a huge swing in the wrong direction when it comes to their accuracy.
Offensively, too, things should stabilize, considering Orlando’s plan of attack has been highly predicated on interior scoring, and Antetokounmpo is responsible for tremendous defensive contributions in the mid-range while taking away looks at the rim.
With frontcourt production already waning with the loss of Bobby Portis to a suspension, this could be a big night for the Magic – and one made even better by the rebounding, which the Bucks will be missing.
Magic vs Bucks same-game parlay
Orlando Magic +4.5
Anthony Black Over 6.5 Points
Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 Points
I tried my best to get involved on the Bucks’ side here, seeing a good opportunity to back some players to step up in the wake of Antetokounmpo’s injury to hit some 3-pointers, but with limited options and prices reflecting his status, I believe we’re out of luck.
That won’t be an issue, however, as we can look to a pair of Magic scorers who have done great work in the mid-range and will meet a defense that has been abysmal at defending that zone in the last two weeks and would get even worse without Antetokounmpo.
Anthony Black is my first target, given he’s at the very least been able to see 22 minutes per game since Jalen Suggs went down with an injury.
Even prior to that, he was leaned on for 30 minutes the last time these two teams met in an effort to match Milwaukee’s size, delivering 10 points, and he should have a good chance to contribute with the Bucks set to be vulnerable inside the arc.
Then, I’ll take Paolo Banchero to bounce back off a tough game against the Bulls. He’s done a ton of shooting in the mid-range and has averaged over 30 points in his last five games, hitting this number three times and missing it by the hook once.
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Magic vs Bucks odds
Magic vs Bucks live odds
Magic vs Bucks opening odds
- Spread: Orlando +7.5 (-110) | Milwaukee -7.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Orlando (+220) | Milwaukee (-185)
- Over/Under: Over 216.5 (-110) | Under 216.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Magic vs Bucks spread and Over/Under analysis
- After some initial love for the Magic pushed this number to 6.5, the line shot to four points with news of Antetokounmpo’s status perhaps coming into play.
- The Bucks have taken on 78% of the bets and 64% of the handle wagered on the spread.
- The total initially climbed all the way to 218.5 before it came crashing down on Saturday afternoon all the way past the opening number to settle at 215.5.
- The Over has accounted for 87% of the tickets and 88% of the money.
Magic vs Bucks trend
The Milwaukee Bucks have hit the 4Q Game Total Over in 17 of their last 23 games at home (+9.95 Units / 37% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Magic vs. Bucks.
How to watch Magic vs Bucks
| Location | Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Date | Saturday, 3-8-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FanDuel Sports Network-Florida, FanDuel Sports Network-Wisconsin |
Magic vs Bucks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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