Orlando Magic vs Milwaukee Bucks Player Prop Picks 12/10/24

This matchup between the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks on December 10th, 2024, is an intriguing NBA Cup quarterfinal featuring two teams with contrasting approaches and recent challenges. The Magic, riding on the momentum of their young core, has been one of the league’s pleasant surprises this season. Led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, they bring a blend of size, skill, and defensive tenacity. However, both Banchero and Wagner will be out this game due to injury.

The Bucks, meanwhile, enter as one of the Eastern Conference powerhouses, bolstered by the dominant duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. They have seamlessly adjusted to their new-look roster, which emphasizes scoring and star power. The Bucks’ experience and offensive versatility make them favorites in this matchup, though the Magic’s youthful energy and cohesion could pose challenges, particularly in transition and on the defensive end.

Jalen Suggs Over 19.5 Points

Jalen Suggs has been solid for the Orlando Magic so far this season, averaging 16.0 points per game over approximately 30 minutes per contest. His scoring efficiency includes a field goal percentage of 41.2%, with 2.3 made three-pointers per game on 32.0% shooting from beyond the arc. Suggs is also strong from the free-throw line, shooting 92.1% on about three attempts per game. His true shooting percentage stands at 54.9%, reflecting a balanced offensive contribution despite some streaky shooting performances.

Jalen Suggs will have to step up and be this Orlando Magic team’s lead scorer. With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner being out for the Magic that’s a lot of points left on the table. Reports came out that the Magic had a team meeting and Suggs was given the role to be Orlando’s primary scorer. In the Magic’s first game without their star players, we saw Suggs have a 26-point game. I don’t see a world with what’s on the line that he doesn’t have another 20-plus point game against the Bucks.

Damian Lillard Under 24.5 Points

Damian Lillard has averaged 25.7 points per game while playing 36.2 minutes per contest. Lillard’s efficiency has been notable, shooting 45.0% from the field and 37.1% from beyond the arc, with 3.5 three-pointers made per game. At the free-throw line, he’s been exceptional, hitting 91.4% of his attempts. His scoring contributions have been pivotal, especially in close games, where his clutch abilities shine.

We saw Damian Lillard get over 24 points in six straight games but came down to earth in his last game against the Brooklyn Nets where he only scored 15 points. This is another tough spot for Damian Lillard going against this magic team with arguably the best perimeter defense in the league. The Magic are also allowing the fewest points per game to opposing teams and they’ll make sure this is a low-scoring gritty game.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Over 1.5 Three Pointers

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been a consistent presence as a three-point shooter for the Orlando Magic. He is averaging 1.5 made three-pointers per game on 4.9 attempts, giving him a three-point shooting percentage of 30.3%. While this efficiency is slightly lower than his career average, his role as a veteran shooter and perimeter threat remains vital for the Magic.

KCP will also need to step up as a scorer with Banchero and Wagner out. He will now be one of the Magic’s main deep ball threats and to keep up in a game with the Bucks he’ll need to execute. This is a favorable matchup for KCP with the Bucks giving up 14 threes per game to opposing teams which is well above the league average.