© Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
GAME DAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks battle the rising Orlando Magic
The Milwaukee Bucks will cap their six-game homestand by taking on the young Orlando Magic on Thursday night.
Milwaukee started the series of home games with a 133-129 win over the Chicago Bulls and then won the next four to match their longest winning streak in the season so far. The five-game winning streak allowed the Bucks to cement their hold of solo second place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 20-7 record.
The Bucks are just one game behind the Boston Celtics, who are 21-6. On Tuesday night, they sealed their 14th consecutive win at home with a 132-119 triumph over the San Antonio Spurs.
Orlando dominates the first meeting
The two squads are meeting for the second time this season, with Orlando winning in their first encounter on November 11th, 112-97.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 35 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists in that duel, but the Bucks couldn’t overcome the absence of Damian Lillard, who did not suit up due to a sore calf.
Franz Wagner scored 26 points, and Paolo Banchero had 24 in the win. Orlando was red-hot at one point in the season when it won nine straight games. The victory over the Bucks was part of a stretch where the Magic went 10-1.
But after a promising stretch, the Magic suddenly struggled and have lost their last three games. They are currently in fourth place in the East with a 16-10 record. Orlando is playing the back end of a back-to-back. They lost to the visiting Miami Heat on Wednesday night, 106-115.
Injury report
Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable for the Bucks due to a right midfoot sprain. Milwaukee will still be without Jae Crowder, who is still recovering from a left adductor surgery.
Orlando will be without Markelle Fultz (knee), while Joe Ingles is listed as day-to-day due to an ankle injury.
