The Milwaukee Bucks (43-37) and Orlando Magic (24-56) kick off Eastern Conference play at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, April 9, 2018, and will air on Fox SportsNet Florida.
Orlando Magic at Milwaukee Bucks Free Prediction
The Magic are trying to rebound after their 112-101 loss to the Toronto Raptors in their last contest. Toronto’s 0.218 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Orlando, who had a mark of 0.112. The Raptors’ mark was above their season average of 0.200, while the Magic’s was below their season average of 0.180. Khem Birch played well for Orlando, recording 12 points and 12 rebounds.
The last time the Bucks played, they were victorious over the New York Knicks, 115-102. The Bucks knocked down 15 of their 17 free throws (88.2 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.9 (above their season average of 20.2). Eric Bledsoe was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
The high-powered offense of Milwaukee will clash against the mid-tier defense of Orlando. The Bucks currently rank seventh in offensive efficiency, while the Magic are 21st in defensive efficiency. The Bucks should have the advantage on that end of the court.
Orlando holds records of 24-56 straight up (SU) and 35-42-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Magic’s 79 games that accepted bets, 46 have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee is 43-37 SU and 34-41-5 ATS. Unlike Orlando, Bucks games have a tendency to finish over the total (56.3 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Mario Hezonja (12.2 points, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks) has been fantastic for the Magic while Bledsoe (25.2 points, 5.6 assists and 2.4 steals) has made great contributions to the Bucks.
The Bucks have won two out of three against the Magic this season, but dropped their most recent game, 126-117. Milwaukee was unable to cover as a 10-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 243 points, which was 35.5 points above the projected point total of 207.5 points. The Magic knocked down 20 of their 23 free throws (87.0 percent) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (24.3 vs. 21.4). Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a double-double in the loss, with 38 points and 10 rebounds.
Orlando Magic at Milwaukee Bucks Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Bucks, ATS Winner – Bucks, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Orlando is 20-18-1 ATS on the road with 22 unders and 17 overs.
At home, Milwaukee is 12-25-3 ATS with 22 overs, 17 unders and 1 push.
Orlando is 11-9 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Milwaukee is 16-5.
The Magic are 23-31 when they reach 100 points, while the Bucks are 37-20.
Milwaukee averages 47.4 points in the paint per game, which ranks seventh in the league. Orlando ranks 29th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.4).
The Bucks rank third in points off turnovers per game (18.3) while the Magic rank 21st (15.5).
Milwaukee ranks third in fast break points allowed per game (9.9) while Orlando ranks 19th (12.7).
The Bucks rank third in steals per game (8.8) while the Magic rank 17th (7.6).
Milwaukee ranks fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.4) while Orlando ranks 18th (5.0).
The Bucks rank 12th in rebounds allowed per game (42.5) while the Magic rank 25th (45.7).
Orlando ranks 14th in three pointers attempted per game (29.4) while Milwaukee ranks 25th (24.7).
The Bucks rank 13th in assists per game (23.2) while the Magic rank 23rd in assists allowed per game (24.4).
Orlando is 25th in the league with 10.8 second chance points per game while Milwaukee is 26th with 10.5 second chance points per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Orlando is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Milwaukee is 3-2 ATS with 5 overs over their last five games.
The Magic’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.0, up from 4.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bucks have scored an average of 116.2 points per game (9.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 114.6 points per game (7.8 above their season average).
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