Jim Owczarski on Bucks struggles, Giannis ejection
Milwaukee Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski on the team’s early season struggles on defense, the Giannis ejection and more
ORLANDO – The Milwaukee Bucks trailed the Orlando Magic 65-49 at the break due to 13 second-chance points and 13 points off Bucks turnovers. The Magic were also 18-for-21 from the free throw line while the Bucks were 7-for-16.
The Magic led 29-25 after the first quarter and scored seven second-chance points to take a lead. The Bucks forced five turnovers but did not score a point off the extra possessions.
The Bucks suffered a narrow defeat in Indiana on Thursday night as Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 54 points.
What Time is the Bucks vs. Magic Game Today?
The Bucks play the Magic at 5 p.m.
What is the Bucks’ Record?
They are 5-3 after losing to the Pacers on Thursday. Prior to that loss, the Bucks had won three consecutive games. The Magic are 4-4.
Damian Lillard Ruled Out for Bucks Game vs. Magic
The Bucks’ all-NBA point guard was ruled out an hour before tipping off against the Pacers, after being listed as questionable due to soreness in his right calf. He carried that same designation into Saturday’s game against Orlando.
Following his warmup, the Bucks ruled him out for the game against the Magic.
Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin was speaking as Lillard was going through is pregame routine, but he didn’t think Lillard having the injury designation for a second straight game created any bigger concern over it.
“No,” Griffin said. “I just think if we have to err on the side of caution; being cautious with him.
As for the mechanics of designating Lillard with “soreness” in his calf, that designation will likely come to an end after Saturday’s game.
Unlike previous years where teams could list “soreness” as a reason for game absences for as long as they saw fit, the league changed that rule this season.
Now, teams can no longer use “soreness” – or variations thereof – as a designation for more than two consecutive games. While the league can grant permission to use “soreness” et al. as a reason for absence, it is meant to be a placeholder for a more formal diagnosis.
So, following Saturday’s game in Orlando the Bucks will have to be more specific about the injuries their star is dealing with.
They will be required to identify the injury with specificity by:
- Status (i.e. out, questionable, available)
- Reason (injury/illness)
- Laterality (i.e. left, right, or N/A)
- Body part (i.e. elbow, hamstring)
Bucks Injury Report vs. Magic
- Damian Lillard, out (right calf soreness)
Is Giannis Playing?
Yes. He had left ankle soreness heading into the game in Indiana, but played and scored 54 points.
Bucks Probable Starting Lineup
- Guards: Cameron Payne, Malik Beasley
- Forwards: Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Center: Brook Lopez
What is the Bucks vs. Magic Odds: Spread, Money Line, Over/Under Point Total?
The Bucks are favored by 3 ½ points. The Bucks are -165 on the money line, the Magic are +140; the over/under point total is 232.
Odds are provided by BETMGM.
When Do the Bucks Play Next? What is the Bucks’ 2023 Schedule?
After they play the Magic, the Bucks return home for a game against the Chicago Bulls at 7 p.m. Monday. Here’s the Bucks’ full 2023-24 schedule.
MarJon Beauchamp Hosting Turkey Drive on Sunday
Second-year Bucks player MarJon Beauchamp is hosting a turkey drive for Milwaukee residents on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. Through his eponymous foundation, the 23-year-old is collaborating with World Visions and Black Men United to distribute 200 turkeys, 200 food boxes and toys, socks, diapers and bicycles at The 42 Factory Office Suites, 1134 N 9th St. in Milwaukee.
E-mail [email protected] for registration information.
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