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) /

6 of 6

Milwaukee Bucks, NBA playoffs, Orlando Magic (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Predictions

The Bucks are the prohibitive favorite in the series for a reason.

They were the best team in the league for the vast majority of the year and they are led by the reigning MVP.

The Magic simply lack the firepower on either end of the floor to compete with Milwaukee for a seven-game series. And they may not possess enough to compete even for a 48-minute stretch.

Last year’s Bucks-Pistons first-round matchup should be instructive. Without Isaac, Bamba, and perhaps Gordon, Orlando has a similar size-deficiency that is only exacerbated by the obvious talent gap. Markelle Fultz appears to be entering the starting lineup, which helps, but not enough. And the Magic don’t have any home-court advantage to potentially make a couple of games closer than they would otherwise be.

Without that home court, Milwaukee should roll.

Look for the Bucks to get back to their pre-shutdown form. Coach Mike Budenholzer is a smart, detail-oriented teacher who is surely showing the team its bubble mistakes and working hard to fix them.

The offense may take another series to fully recover, but expect Milwaukee’s defense to once again dominate an overmatched Orlando Magic team.

Next. 25 best players to play for the Milwaukee Bucks. dark