The last time these two teams faced was in the NBA Cup quarterfinal, with the Milwaukee Bucks running out winners in a close game against the undermanned Orlando Magic.
This time around, Orlando is expecting one of their stars to return, having been sidelined since October. Let's delve into the current injury report for both teams.
Bucks injury report for Friday
Probable: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Right patella tendinopathy), Damian Lillard (Left calf contusion),
Khris Middleton (Bilateral ankle injury management)
Questionable: Ryan Rollins (Non-Covid illness)
Out: AJ Johnson, Chris Livingston, Tyler Smith (G-League)
Magic injury report for Friday
Questionable: Paolo Banchero (Oblique), Jalen Suggs (Back), Gary Harris (Hamstring)
Out: Franz Wagner (Oblique), Moritz Wagner (ACL)
Bucks face a tough test in Florida for Banchero's first game back
When these two last faced, it was a really short-handed Magic team with multiple players out, but Paolo Banchero is expected to return Friday night. Banchero has been out since the end of October with a torn oblique after starting the season on fire.
The Bucks are coming off back-to-back wins following a stellar performance against the San Antonio Spurs where Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard led, with Khris Middleton coming off the bench and AJ Green hitting huge threes in the face of Victor Wembanyama.
Seeing Banchero in his first game back will be interesting as to what level he is at. Yet, the Magic are fourth in the Eastern Conference, one spot above the Bucks, and three wins better off with a record of 22-17, so regardless of what version of the former first-overall pick turns up, it will be a very tough test for Milwaukee.
What is frustrating for Doc Rivers' team is that they cannot seem to shake off this sickness, with Ryan Rollins playing against the Spurs on Wednesday but now hitting the injury report late on Thursday.
The festive period saw multiple Bucks players struggling with illness, and Rollins is now hit with it. It's a shame for what has been a really good cameo from him so far this season.
Giannis and Lillard are forever on the injury reports more so as a precaution should they feel something on gameday and be rested. Middleton is now coming off the bench, and the coaching staff is looking to manage his minutes, so the same may go for him.
For Orlando, the Wagner brothers are both out, with Franz expected to return soon; Jalen Suggs and Gary Harris both missed Thursday's game with the Minnesota Timberwolves but could be game-time decisions for the matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.
As mentioned, the Magic have had the injury bug all season long but have managed to fight through it with Jamahl Mosley coaching brilliantly. They are coming into this game on a back-to-back following a heavy 104-89 defeat, so the Bucks can compound their misery, but expect Orlando to be up for this one to make amends.
It won't be easy for the Milwaukee Bucks, but as it stands, the Big 3 will be expected to play in this difficult game to call.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks news and analysis.