The Orlando Magic open their first-round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks with the hope and optimism of the opportunity for an upset.
Orlando Magic (33-40) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (56-17)
Time/TV:
1:30 p.m./TNT, FOX Sports Florida
FOLLOW LIVE2020 Season Series:
in Orlando on Nov. 1;
in Milwaukee on Dec. 9;
in Milwaukee on Dec. 28;
in Orlando on Feb. 8
Playoff Series:Game 1 – Today at 1:30 p.m.; Game 2 – Thursday at 6 p.m.; Game 3 — Saturday at 1 p.m.; Game 4 — Monday at 1:30 p.m.
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando | 99.0 | 107.9 | 109.2 | 50.6 | 26.7 | 12.9 | 25.6 |
| Milwaukee | 105.5 | 111.9 | 102.5 | 55.2 | 24.1 | 14.2 | 27.1 |
OMD Prediction
The Milwaukee Bucks have been on a torrid pace all year. They are a dynamic offensive team with the league’s MVP in tow and the best defense in the league. Beating them will be a tall task. It is going to take the Orlando Magic making shots and playing at a high level. It might take the Bucks having a bad night. They have had some bad nights in the bubble, going 3-5. But Milwaukee has had the cushion of knowing they had wrapped up the top seed. There could be some shaky moments. But the Magic have to prove they can compete in this series. It might take some shooting luck. This game will need to be proof of concept they can compete and eventually win in this series.
1) One of the biggest keys to the Orlando Magic defeating the Milwaukee Bucks will be stopping their transition play, Spencer Henderson writes.
2) Giannis Antetokounmpo puts special pressure on the defense and the Orlando Magic will need to employ several strategies to slow him down, Spencer Henderson writes.
3) As the Orlando Magic try to set their pace and break the Milwaukee Bucks’ defense, all eyes will be on how Markelle Fultz handles the task.
4) These Playoffs are the Milwaukee Bucks’ chance to prove themselves as worthy champions, Adam McGee of Behind the Buck Pass writes.
5) Beating the Milwaukee Bucks will mean doing the simple things really well for the Orlando Magic.
6) Injuries continue to derail the Orlando Magic’s chances to win, Tim Monaghan writes.
7) Our five keys to a Game 1 victory include Nikola Vucevic taking a step up and shining in the postseason.
8) Eric Nehm and Josh Robbins of The Athletic discuss the series between the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks.
9) The Orlando Magic will need their health and 3-point shooting to pull off the upset and defeat the Milwaukee Bucks, Josh Robbins of The Athletic writes.
10) Defeating the Milwaukee Bucks will be a tall order, but the Orlando Magic have a way to get the job done, Roy Parry of the Orlando Sentinel writes.
11) Whether the Orlando Magic can keep up with the Milwaukee Bucks will depend on their anemic offense, Garrett Townsend of Orlando Pinstriped Post writes.
12) Adam Paris of Brew Hoop reviews four factors for the Milwaukee Bucks in the series with the Orlando Magic.
13) Meet the Milwaukee Bucks with our Q&A with Adam McGee and Jordan Treske of Behind the Buck Pass. Mike Cali of Orlando Pinstriped Post got to know the Bucks with Mitchell Maurer of BrewHoop.
14) I shared my thoughts on the Orlando Magic with Adam McGee of Behind the Buck Pass. And Mike Cali provides his thoughts on the Magic for BrewHoop.
15) Adam McGee of Behind the Buck Pass breaks down three key matchups that will determine the series between the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks.
16) J.R. Radcliffe of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel introduces his readers to the Orlando Magic.
17) The Orlando Magic struggled in their four losses to the Milwaukee Bucks in the regular season.
18) Giannis Antetokounmpo was frustrated with the Milwaukee Bucks’ 3-5 record seeding round play, Eric Woodyard of ESPN writes.
19) James Ennis said he believes he caught COVID-19 while going out to a restaurant in July. He advises everyone take precautions as he has recovered and now prepares for the Playoffs.
20) Garrett Townsend of Orlando Pinstriped Post looks at what is trending up and down for the Orlando Magic entering the playoffs.
21) The Orlando Magic’s playoff experience helped them survive their struggles and injuries to return to the postseason.
22) Jordan Treske of Behind the Buck Pass looks back at the Orlando Magic’s 2001 series with the Milwaukee Bucks.
23) Mike Ferguson of Orlando Pinstriped Post reviews the last two times the Orlando Magic were the No. 8 seed.
24) The Orlando Magic’s long-term future has taken a hit with Mohamed Bamba missing his second straight postseason.