Stephen Nover
NBA
Milwaukee (+12 -110)
The Bucks are clinging on life support for a playoff berth. So they should play hard, especially since Orlando embarrassed them at home, 106-80, in Milwaukee recently.
That loss had to really bother Bucks hard-nosed coach Scott Skiles. The Bucks catch Orlando in a letdown spot.
Orlando is off a huge victory against Boston on Wednesday, 84-82. That victory not only clinched the Southeast Division for the Magic, but also moved them into the No. 2 seed behind Cleveland, who they are not going to catch. The win also eclipsed Orlando's win mark from last season.
The last time Orlando played Boston on March 8, the Magic lost at Detroit in its next game, 98-94. The time before that when the Magic played Boston, which was on Jan. 22, they lost in their next game at Miami, 103-97.
I'm certainly not recommending a money-line play on the underdog Bucks. But Milwaukee is averaging 99.1 points this month and forcing more than 16 turnovers per game. Remember, the Magic don't have their regular point guard, Jameer Nelson.
The Bucks have the motivation. They should be able to hang within this big number.