Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks (Dec. 30, 2021): 3 Things To Watch, Odds and Prediction
The Orlando Magic play their final game of the 2021 calendar year as they battle the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks for the final time this season.
Orlando Magic (7-28) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (23-13)
Time/TV: 7 p.m./Bally Sports Florida
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Line via WynnBet: Bucks by 14.5
Tickets: $45-$966 on StubHub
2022 Season Series: Bucks 117, Magic 108 in Milwaukee on Nov. 20; Bucks 123, Magic 92 in Milwaukee on Nov. 22; Bucks 127, Magic 110 in Orlando on Dec. 28; Tonight in Orlando
| Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 99.5 | 110.8 | 107.1 | 53.4 | 27.0 | 14.0 | 23.2 |
| Orlando | 98.5 | 102.8 | 112.5 | 49.3 | 27.0 | 15.2 | 22.2 |
OMD Prediction
The Orlando Magic came out of their 127-110 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday buzzing. Sure they lost and they trailed at one point by 29 points late in the second quarter. They fought back as they usually do. But they got to see a star-making performance from Franz Wagner.
The Magic’s rookie forward scored a career-high 38 points, darting through the lane and picking apart the Bucks defense. They were throwing double teams at him and he just beat them every time. He was figuring out and beating one of the best defenses in the league in real-time. It was really impressive.
The Magic are going to have to take that as a victory. The team’s injury list is still growing. Robin Lopez is now in health and safety protocols, bringing the number up to five players in health and safety protocols. The Magic reportedly were set to sign Gabe York for a little more support, but he said on Instagram he tested positive and would not be able to sign. Terrence Ross is at least back in re-conditioning, but he remains out.
The Bucks are still virtually fully healthy — Brook Lopez is out still and Semi Ojeleye has entered health and safety protocols. This game is not entirely about the results for the Magic yet again.
38. Prediction. 125. 89. 104
3 Keys To Watch
Franz Follow Up
Franz Wagner will be putting the bow on what could very well be a Rookie of the Month performance. Wagner has been stunningly good all month long in some very difficult circumstances for the Orlando Magic. It is hard to be upset about anything he has done.
He had his 38-point effort for the Magic on Tuesday. But it was more impressive because of its efficiency. His 12-for-20 shooting, 4-for-8 shooting from deep and a perfect 10 for 10 from the foul line. That is a 70.0-percent effective field goal percentage and a 77.9-percent true shooting percentage.
In December, Wagner is averaging 19.5 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game in 34.0 minutes per game this month. He is shooting 47.4-percent and 38.6-percent from beyond the arc, with advanced shooting splits of a 51.8-percent effective field goal percentage and 57.2-percent true shooting percentage.
It has been a really good month for the Magic’s young forward.
3-point defense
The Orlando Magic’s 3-point defense has been a point of contention for a little while now. We brought it up in our preview of the Orlando Magic’s game against the Miami Heat on Sunday. It remains one of the bigger weaknesses for the Magic’s defense.
The Milwaukee Bucks dominated the first half of Tuesday’s game behind their 3-point shooting. The Bucks made 13 of their 17 3-pointers in the first half. That is how they built a 29-point lead. The Magic were a lot better in the second half and that is why the team had the opening to come back into the game.
Orlando is giving up 13.5 3-pointers per game, 26th in the league. The Magic give up 36.7-percent shooting from deep, 27th in the league. Teams get plenty and make plenty of threes against them. Part of that is the Magic’s focus defensively in crowding the paint and putting pressure there.
R.J.’s return
R.J. Hampton has been back for two games since becoming the Orlando Magic’s first player out of health and safety protocols. He has had to hit the ground running.
Hampton has scored 23 total points and has shot only 10 for 25 from the floor. Hampton has had to do a lot. And he still has a lot more he has to do for this team. It seems likely he is going to be starting for the Magic with the team also without Hassani Gravett in addition to Cole Anthony.
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Hampton has struggled some when he has taken the reigns as the lead guard. But that is life for the Magic. Expect Franz Wagner to take over most of the lead ball-handler duties but Orlando is going to need R.J. Hampton to help out.