Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic Preview & Game Thread: Finally, a real chance

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 08: Desmond Bane #3 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum on March 08, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or us

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What is the story about?

The Milwaukee Bucks play the Orlando Magic tonight in a game they at least have a puncher’s chance in, and that is a wonderful thing. As we all know, the Bucks have lost eight in a row and, if you remove the garbage-time comeback against the Lakers, have been blown out in four straight games. As a result, they rank in the bottom three in both offensive and defensive efficiency for the season, making tonight’s game against the Magic even more crucial.

The Task Ahead

After a horrid start to the season in which they

went 2-7, the Magic are playing better of late, winning their last two. Granted, those wins came against the Kings and Jazz, but with the way Orlando was playing, they’d have taken a win wherever they could get one. It should be noted that a major reason for the Magic struggling not being at their best is that, yet again, they are struggling with injuires. Namely, Paolo Banchero has been out for virtually the whole year with a severe ankle sprain, while Jalen Suggs is only just working his way back from a scary knee injury. Franz Wagner, on the other hand, has been playing, and he’s been producing; Wagner has dropped a combined 71 points in their last two games, so the Bucks better be ready for him.

Injury Report

Bucks:

Clean injury report.

Magic:

Paolo Banchero: Out (ankle)
Jonathan Isaac: Out (knee)
Noah Penda: Out (hamstring)
Izaiyah Nelson: Out (ankle)
Jalen Suggs: Questionable (knee)
Tristan da Silva: Questionable (calf)
Jamal Cain: Questionable (shoulder)

Player to Watch

Wendell Carter Jr. has been a rebounding menace this year, pulling down 2.7 O-boards per contest. The Bucks, who rank dead last in rebound percentage over the last three games, need to be hyper-vigilant about Carter in that regard. Of course, noted elite rebounder Myles Turner is back, so he should help!