Jim Owczarski on Buck’s problems, Giannis’ expulsion
Milwaukee Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski on the team’s defensive woes early in the season, the Giannis ejection and more
ORLANDO – The Milwaukee Bucks trailed the Orlando Magic 88-72 after the third quarter due to 18 second-chance points.
65-49 at halftime thanks to 13 second-chance points and 13 points from the Bucks’ turnovers. They also had an 18-for-21 record from the free throw line, while the Bucks had a 7-for-16 record.
The Magic led 29-25 after the first quarter and scored seven second-chance points to take the lead. The Bucks forced five turnovers but did not score a point on the extra possessions.
The Bucks narrowly lost at Indiana on Thursday night as Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 54 points.
Jae Crowder injured against Magic
With 3 minutes and 54 seconds left in the third quarter, Jae Crowder was substituted for AJ Green, and the veteran winger went straight to the Bucks’ locker room. He was immediately ruled out because of pain in his left groin. Crowder played 17 minutes against the Magic and recorded one point, going 0-1 from the floor and 1-2 from the free throw line. He also had two rebounds.
What is the Bucks’ record?
After Thursday’s loss to the Pacers, they are 5-3. Before this loss, the Bucks had won three straight games. The Magic are 4-4.
Damian Lillard is out for the Bucks’ game against Magic
The Bucks’ All-NBA point guard was ruled out an hour before their game against the Pacers after being listed as questionable due to right calf soreness. He also carried this title in Saturday’s game against Orlando.
After his warmup, the Bucks ruled him out for the game against the Magic.
Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin spoke as Lillard went through his pregame routine, but he didn’t think Lillard’s injured status for a second straight game was a major concern.
“No,” Griffin said. “I just think if we have to be safe, we have to be careful with him.”
As for the mechanics of referring to Lillard as having “sores” in his calf, that label will likely come to an end after Saturday’s game.
Unlike previous years where teams could cite “soreness” as a reason for missing games as long as they saw fit, the league changed that rule this season.
Now teams can no longer use “pains” — or variations thereof — as a label for more than two consecutive games. While the league granted permission to use “soreness” et al. can grant. As a reason for absence, it is intended to serve as a placeholder for a more formal diagnosis.
So after Saturday’s game in Orlando, the Bucks will have to take a closer look at the injuries their star is dealing with.
You must specifically identify the injury by:
- Status (e.g. out, questionable, available)
- Reason (injury/illness)
- Laterality (i.e. left, right or N/A)
- Body part (e.g. elbow, hamstrings)
Bucks injury report vs. Magic
- Damian Lillard is out (wound in right calf)
Is Giannis playing?
Yes. He suffered ankle soreness early in the Indiana game, but played and scored 54 points.
Likely Bucks starting lineup
- Guards: Cameron Payne, Malik Beasley
- Forward: Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Center: Brook Lopez
What are the odds for Bucks vs. Magic: spread, moneyline, over/under?
The Bucks have a 3 ½ point advantage. The Bucks are -165 on the money line, the Magic are +140; The over/under score is 232.
The odds are provided by BETMGM.
When do the Bucks next play? What is the Bucks’ schedule for 2023?
After playing the Magic, the Bucks return home for a game against the Chicago Bulls on Monday at 7 p.m. Here is the Bucks’ complete 2023-24 schedule.
MarJon Beauchamp hosts the turkey drive on Sunday
Bucks second-year player MarJon Beauchamp will host a turkey drive for Milwaukee residents on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. Through his eponymous foundation, the 23-year-old is working with World Visions and Black Men United to distribute 200 turkeys and 200 food boxes, as well as toys, socks, diapers and bicycles at The 42 Factory Office Suites, 1134 N 9th St. in Milwaukee.
For registration information, email [email protected].