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

By Matthew Way | Aug 18, 2020

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 (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

1. Who guards Giannis?

Sadly, we were robbed of one of the more intriguing matchups of the first round when Jonathan Isaac went down with an ACL injury.

Sure, no one can truly stop Giannis, but Isaac is uniquely built to defend him with his combination of length, athleticism, and instincts. It wouldn’t probably have made any difference in the eventual outcome of the series, but it would have been a lot of fun to watch.

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Without Isaac, Orlando is left to scramble to find a way to limit the reigning MVP. Aaron Gordon would be the most logical replacement but he has a hamstring injury reminiscent of Giannis’ matchup with a hobbled Blake Griffin in last year’s first round. If Gordon’s hamstring is passable, he possesses the ability to react and recover well enough to play off the Bucks superstar and provide some resistance closer to the basket.

Without Gordon, the Magic are left with some combination of James Ennis, Wesley Iwundu, and Gary Clark to slow the most unstoppable force in the league. While all three are competent defenders, none of them possess the type of elite defensive ability that is necessary to even limit Giannis.

So unless Steve Clifford has some extra magic up his sleeves, Orlando’s hopes for slowing Giannis ultimately hinge on Aaron Gordon’s health.