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NBA Playoffs must-follow storylines: Milwaukee Bucks vs Orlando Magic

By Matthew Way

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 8: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center on February 8, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. The Bucks defeated the Magic 112 to 95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 8: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center on February 8, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. The Bucks defeated the Magic 112 to 95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Milwaukee Bucks, NBA playoffs, Orlando Magic
Milwaukee Bucks, NBA playoffs, Orlando Magic (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

After a disappointing finish in the NBA playoffs a year ago, the Milwaukee Bucks’ path for redemption begins through the Orlando Magic.

Following a dominant start to the regular season, the Milwaukee Bucks sputtered through the NBA bubble to the tune of a 3-5 record. If that disappointing play brings any pause, Milwaukee should feel confident in their 4-0 sweep of the Orlando Magic during the regular season.

And the Bucks will be playing a depleted Magic team at that. Superb defender Jonathan Isaac tore his ACL and is out for the year. Mohamed Bamba recently left the bubble. Aaron Gordon has a hamstring injury and his status for Game 1 is up in the air. Despite those hurdles, Orlando posted the same 3-5 record as Milwaukee in the bubble.  But the comparisons stop there.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic shutting the league down, the Bucks were downright dominant.

Their defense ranked first by over three full points per 100 possessions and the offense was strong enough to rank sixth overall. Their net rating was 3.6 points better than the second-place Los Angeles Lakers. Giannis Antetokounmpo was coasting to his second straight MVP award.

Milwaukee’s pre-bubble dominance likely informed the way they returned to regular season action. With a 6.5 game lead over the second-place Toronto Raptors, they only needed to win two of eight games in Orlando to clinch the number one seed. So getting back to game shape while remaining healthy was the only real priority.

Still, rust is not always easy to shake. And while the Magic will need to play a perfect series to overcome the Bucks’ immense talent advantage, Milwaukee undoubtedly wants to begin their playoff run in the strongest way possible.