After looking at the NBA odds at the top betting sites, I will recommend investing in the Bucks, on the road, against the Magic.
My recommendation is backed by OddsTrader’s computer AI and by my handicapping. For more computer picks for today, go to:
NBA Pick: Bucks +5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
Sunday, April 14, 2024 – 01:00 PM ET at Kia Center
Our computers indicate that this will be a close game, and I agree. I find that the Bucks are being dogged too heavily.
Giannis Who?
Milwaukee looks tempting to fade because Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t play. But no Giannis means more Bobby Portis.
On April 10, Portis dropped 30 points on the Magic defense. Plus, Damian Lillard is likely to play: he is listed as “probable” with his sore left adductor.
Lillard’s presence will ensure that Milwaukee has the talent and leadership on the court that it needs to win – which it clearly wants to do because, otherwise, it wouldn’t plan on playing Lillard.
Composure
The key here is that Milwaukee wants to win.
Orlando is a young team, one that is clearly struggling to win games when it counts, especially against other teams who have more veteran experience and who likewise want to win.
The Magic enter today’s game on a three-game losing streak.
They lost to the Rockets, who broke their losing streak by dominating Orlando by double digits, to the Bucks by 18 and to the 76ers in another double-digit defeat.
Their defense, which is the calling card for their team because their offense is undeveloped, has given up 117 points or more in three straight games.
Matchup Factor
Orlando will need to score a lot of points in order to make up for its defensive woes. But the Magic are one of the worst three-point shooting teams and depend on scoring at the basket.
They’ll have to deal with one of the top rim protectors in Brook Lopez and his comfort with drop coverage, which positions him close to the basket.
NBA Pick: Bucks +5 (-110) at Bet365
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
