3 keys for the Milwaukee Bucks on back-to-back against Orlando Magic

It’s everyone’s favorite part of the NBA season: the second game of a back-to-back! The Milwaukee Bucks will complete their third back-to-back of the season tonight against the Orlando Magic, who they will be playing for the first time this season.

The Magic have certainly struggled to begin the season, sitting at 4-12 after a loss last night to the Brooklyn Nets. That’s right, the Magic are also on the second night of a back-to-back and traveled from Brooklyn to Milwaukee so they’ll be a bit more tired whereas the Bucks have the benefit of being at home for both games.

The Bucks have dominated the Magic lately, going 9-1 over the last three seasons, and have won seven straight against them. That doesn’t include their playoff series against each other where the Bucks won in five games. You would certainly expect the winning streak against the Magic to reach eight games after tonight.

However, it is the NBA and the Magic have some quality young players. They’ve taken two of three games against the New York Knicks this season and beat the Utah Jazz, so they are capable of pulling off an upset. I just wouldn’t consider it likely, unless…

Will the Milwaukee Bucks rest players against the Orlando Magic?

One of the only reasons I could see the Bucks potentially dropping this game is if they decide to mass rest their stars against a team that is not very good and is also on the second night of a back-to-back.

Khris Middleton is coming off of his second game after a lengthy absence, they could look to rest him on the second night of a back-to-back. Giannis Antetokounmpo already sat out a game with an ankle injury and has been dealing with lingering knee soreness all season. Jrue Holiday could use a night off as he has been struggling mightily offensively so far and could be feeling the aftereffects of his ankle sprain still.

Although while it wouldn’t be hugely surprising to see them rest their stars, given the position they’re in at the moment with their record and finally getting healthier, I would still be a little surprised.

Sure, the Magic aren’t great and you want to manage players’ workloads but at the same time, you need to win games to have a decent playoff seed, even if they’re games early in the season. I’m a big proponent of resting players in meaningless regular-season games but, you can rest players down the line. Right now is about getting out of the hole that injuries have helped dig. It will be interesting to see what the Bucks prioritize at this point in the season.