There are few things you can rely on in this topsy-turvy world. The end-of-season matinee between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic – covered by yours truly – is one of them.
Speaking of topsy-turvy, seeding. I’ll refer you here for a deeper dive, but the Bucks are somehow still in second, with the same record as the Knicks and one game up on the Cavs. Meanwhile, the Magic are in fifth, but have the same record as the Pacers and the Sixers and sit just a game up on the Heat. Suffice to say, this game is not the sleeper it usually is.
The home team has won every matchup this year, with the Magic winning in November and the Bucks winning in December and on Wednesday. Unfortunately, it’s Orlando’s turn to host.
Where We’re At
The Bucks knocked off the Celtics and the Magic in a mid-week SEGABABA at home before falling to the Thunder on the road. After the putrid stretch of play that preceded it, it’s at least an upward regression (aggression?) to the mean, if not a good sign given the quality of the opposition and the lack of star power due to injury. Consider me a Pat Bev Starter Truther.
The Magic, though, have lost three straight, to the Rockets, Bucks, and Sixers—an unfortunate stretch that would have locked up the five seed if they had won any of the three. Franz Wagner returned to the lineup against the Sixers, but to no avail. But all three games were on the road, where their record is anemic – the worst among playoff teams, in fact. Luckily they return to the gauntlet that is the Kia Center on Sunday.
Injury Report
For the Bucks, Giannis (left soleus sprain) and AJG (left ankle sprain) are out, while Dame (left adductor soreness), MJB (left ankle sprain), and Thanasis (left hamstring soreness) are probable.
For the Magic, Wendell Carter Jr. is questionable (back spasms).
Player To Watch
Here’s hoping Splash Mountain can bring it close to home. I’m still not quite sure where he fits into Doctopolis—one more game to figure it out, I guess.
How To Watch
Bally Sports WI at 12:00 PM CDT.
Poll
Game 82: against the Magic, the Bucks will…
This poll is closed
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12%
Win big (by 10 or more points)
(17 votes)
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40%
Win close (by 9 or fewer points)
(54 votes)
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26%
Lose close (by 9 or fewer points)
(35 votes)
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20%
Lose big (by 10 or more points)
(27 votes)
133 votes total
Vote Now
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Sarah Wilson is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
