Milwaukee Bucks: 3 players that need to step up against Orlando Magic

Ersan Ilyasova/Marvin Williams

Whether it be Ersan Ilyasova or Marvin Williams that gets the nod as the Milwaukee Bucks’ backup power forward come playoff time, they need to step up immensely. Starting power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was undoubtedly the engine that propelled this team forward, but when he comes out of the game, neither of these players has not exactly filled the void.

It would be nearly impossible for Ilyasova or Williams to replicate the reigning MVP’s on-court production, but they have struggled just in general. Playing in six of Milwaukee’s seeding games, Williams averaged a mere 4.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Ilyasova has not been much better, averaging just 4.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game over seven contests.

The tandem has not played up to their typical standards since the restart, and with a frontcourt-heavy matchup approaching, the Bucks will need their big men to step up. Set to square off against the likes of big men Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic, Al-Farouq Aminu, and Khem Birch, some stellar play from either Ersan Ilyasova or Marvin Would provide a much-needed presence for the Milwaukee Bucks in that backup role.

Milwaukee is one of the deepest teams in the league, and these two savvy veterans are a significant reason for that. Although their role never consisted of double-digit scoring or guarding the opposing team’s best player, their presence on both ends of the floor is vital when Giannis Antetokounmpo gets a much-deserved rest.