Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks: 3 Best Bets

Before the Orlando Magic takes on the Milwaukee Bucks, we have you covered with our three best bets.

For the third time this season, the Orlando Magic will take on the Milwaukee Bucks. The two squads have one more matchup this season after tonight, and the season series is split, 1-1.

If the Magic wins, it will get within one game of the Bucks for the second seed in the Eastern Conference with only two games to go, defying any expectations from before the start of the season.

Dec 21, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5)

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

For Milwaukee, MarJon Beauchamp and Giannis Antetokounmpo are out. Franz Wagner is questionable for the Magic.

Keep it posted here for our three best bets, powered by the odds at SI Sportsbook.

The Lines

Point spread: Bucks +1.5 (-110)/Magic -1.5 (-118)

Money line: Bucks (+105)/Magic (-133)

Over/under: 215.5

Our Picks

Safe pick: Paolo Banchero OVER 23.5 points (-118)

With no Antetokounmpo in the lineup, Paolo Banchero will only have to contend with Brook Lopez on the defensive end. While Lopez is one of the NBA's premier rim protectors, Banchero's ability to step outside the paint and get to his spots will prove challenging for the Bucks. With a high seed keeping Orlando going, expect Banchero to throw everything he has at Milwaukee's defense.

Opponent pick: Damian Lillard UNDER 27.5 points (-125)

With Antetokounmpo out, Lillard will be the primary scorer and ball handler for the Bucks. However, he will have to go up against Jalen Suggs, who is amped up for the playoffs. One of the best defenders in the NBA, expect Suggs to hold Lillard below his five-game average of 23.6 points.

Team pick: Magic -1.5 (-118)

If the Magic are more contendor than a pretender, putting an extra nail in Milwaukee's coffin right before the playoffs is a great way to demonstrate that the young squad can step up when it matters most. Despite being on the road tonight, expect Orlando's health to be less of a concern than the Bucks', who will be filling the absence of Antetokounmpo.