Bucks vs Magic Prediction & Player Prop Picks (4/14): Will Banchero Come Up Big for Orlando?

The Orlando Magic have had their best season since the Dwight Howard era, but will it end with a playoff spot? If they can close out the regular season with a home win over the shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks (1:00 pm ET), they will secure the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Magic (46-35) have lost three straight and four of five to fall out of contention for a top-four seed. However, if they can stop the skid with a season-ending win, they will edge the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers for the #5 seed even if the Pacers and Sixers both win.

The Bucks (49-32) are looking to lock up the #2 seed in the East, with the New York Knicks (49-32) and Cleveland Cavaliers (48-33) both hoping for some help from Orlando.

On Wednesday, the Bucks defeated the Magic 117-99 behind big performances by Bobby Portis (30 points, nine rebounds, five steals, three assists) and Damian Lillard (29 points, nine assists, six rebounds). Will they put in a repeat performance in Orlando? Giannis will be absent again, and while it didn’t matter at home, it could be a different story on the road.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Orlando Magic Odds

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Spread

• Milwaukee Bucks +4.5 (-110)
• Orlando Magic -4.5 (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 214.5 (-110)
• Under 214.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• Milwaukee Bucks +160
• Orlando Magic -185

With all 30 teams in action today, a busy day of NBA betting action is ahead. Get free and reliable moneyline, spread, and over/under consensus picks for all 15 games, including this one, from our NBA picks page.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Orlando Magic Betting Analysis and Prediction

Wednesday’s performance may provide some encouragement for today’s contest, but recent results are not favorable for the Bucks. Wednesday’s win is one of just three in the Bucks’ last ten games, and they are 2-7 SU in their last nine road games.

In their most recent road matchup, they went down 125-107 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. The Bucks allowed 41 first-quarter points, trailed by 17 at halftime, and never got closer than 10 in the second half.

However, they were without Lillard, and only one starter, Malik Beasley (who played 30 minutes), played more than 24 minutes.

Lillard will return against Orlando, which will boost the Bucks. Still, the Magic are favored to win, even after an ill-timed skid. Orlando is 20-4 SU and 18-6 ATS as a home favorite this season, ranking third in the NBA in outright win percentage and first in the league in cover percentage as a home favorite.

Those are some robust numbers, but will Milwaukee’s edge in experience prove to be pivotal?

The Magic and their young core have excelled this season, and they have lost more than three consecutive games just once.

But I don’t think the Bucks should be counted out here just because they are without Giannis. They handily beat the Magic without him on Wednesday, and with Lillard back in action, they will still have a strong squad on the court even without the two-time NBA MVP.

Two seasons ago, the Bucks punted away the #2 seed in their regular season finale. That resulted in a road Game 7 in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics, who routed them by 28 to advance. I don’t think we will see that happen this time around.

Bucks vs Magic Prediction: Bucks to cover and win

Best Player Prop Bets for Milwaukee Bucks vs Orlando Magic

Bobby Portis (Bucks) Over 17.5 Points (-120) & Over 28.5 Points + Rebounds (-110)

Portis followed his big night against the Magic with a dud against the Thunder, managing only four points (2 of 7 FG), eight rebounds, and three assists in 21 minutes.

Look for him to bounce back today. He might not put up the numbers he had on Wednesday, but I expect him to at least push for 20+ points and 10+ boards, which he has done eight times this season.

Damian Lillard (Bucks) Over 33.5 Points + Assists (-120)

Lillard went well over this number in Wednesday’s game, and I expect him to do the same this afternoon.

Paolo Banchero (Magic) Over 22.5 Points (-115)

Sunday’s have been Banchero’s most prolific day scoring wise. In 12 Sunday games this season, he is averaging 26.1 points per game. His next best scoring average is on Wednesdays (23.3 PPG in 16 games).

Other NBA Betting Information

Where to Bet on the NBA

Many of the top online sportsbooks offer a wide variety of NBA betting odds throughout the season.

In addition to being able to bet on 2024 NBA championship odds, you can make daily NBA picks on odds for every game all season long, including NBA playoffs odds.

Also, you can bet on the All-Star Game, NBA Draft odds, and the major awards like NBA MVP, NBA Rookie of the Year, and more at most reputable sports betting sites.

There are plenty of sports betting sites you can choose from that are good for NBA betting. In addition to Bovada, here are several books that we have reviewed and highly recommend:

• BetOnline (review)
• BetDSI (review)
• BetUS (review)
• Bookmaker (review)
• MyBookie (review)
• Sportsbetting.ag (review)

If you don’t have an account at a book on this list, check out our reviews to help you determine if it is worth your interest and your betting funds.

Interested in Learning More About NBA Betting?

Looking to learn more about the ins and outs of betting on the NBA? Check out our NBA betting guide. Also, if you’d like to learn more about NBA player prop bets, check out our NBA player props guide.

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