Orlando Magic vs Milwaukee Bucks Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Dec. 10 | Emirates NBA Cup East Quarterfinal
The Orlando Magic and the Milwaukee Bucks square off on Tuesday for a semifinal spot in the Emirates NBA Cup. Orlando, which earned a spot in the knockout round as the Eastern Conference wildcard team, hopes to pull the rug from under the favored hosts. To punch a ticket to the next stage, the Magic must buck the absence of their injured superstars.
The Bucks can take advantage of the Magic’s injury-hampered roster to book a flight to Las Vegas. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. have an excellent chance of advancing if they can execute well on both ends of the floor. The winner of the said matchup earns the right to face the victor of the showdown between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks.
Orlando Magic vs Milwaukee Bucks: Injury Report
Orlando Magic injury report
Magic franchise cornerstones Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are inactive as both are dealing with torn right obliques. Gary Harris will be in street clothes on Tuesday due to a left hamstring strain. Jonathan Isaac has also been ruled questionable because of a hamstring strain.
Milwaukee Bucks injury report
Backup forward Chris Livingston is out with a left ankle sprain. Giannis Antetokounmpo (patella tendinopathy), MarJon Beauchamp (hamstring) and Khris Middleton (injury management) are probable. The Greek Freak and Middleton are expected to play, though.
Orlando Magic vs Milwaukee Bucks: Starting lineups and depth chart
Orlando Magic starting lineup and depth chart
Milwaukee Bucks starting lineup and depth chart
Orlando Magic vs Milwaukee Bucks: Key matchups
Giannis Antetokounmpo vs Wendell Carter Jr. or Mo Wagner
Orlando’s thin frontline will have the unenviable task of slowing down Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP is averaging 30.8 points per game in December on 62.5% shooting. If Jonathan Isaac is not cleared to play, Wendell Carter Jr. or Mo Wagner will start to guard Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee’s offense runs through The Greek Freak, so slowing him down will be crucial for the Magic to pull off an upset.
Damian Lillard vs Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Damian Lillard is the Bucks’ best shooter and primary playmaker. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has the primary assignment of containing the eight-time All-Star. Dame Time has been on fire in December, averaging 24.5 PPG behind 49.2% shooting, including 41.0% from deep.
KCP must step up to put the lid on Lillard, particularly if Orlando’s frontline has trouble with Antetokounmpo. The Magic can’t afford both Bucks superstars to have a big scoring night.