Orlando, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Na

Cleared to face Orlando

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo had high praise for Paolo Banchero and the Magic after Friday’s game at Kia Center. “Orlando is a dangerous team,” the two-time NBA MVP said.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as probable for the game against Orlando Magic due to knee soreness. Bucks' key players, Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard, also share the same status.

After today’s shootaround, the Bucks have ruled out MarJon Beauchamp (Non-Covid Illness) and Andre Jackson Jr. for tonight’s game vs. Toronto. And also declared that Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Gary Trent Jr. will be available. https://t.co/H7m6ImTFdS

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 41 points and 14 rebounds and the Milwaukee Bucks beat Orlando 109-106 on Friday night in spite of 34 points by the Magic’s Paolo Banchero in his long-awaited return from an injury. Damian Lillard added 29 points for the Bucks, including a couple of free throws with 9.3 seconds left for the game’s final points.

The Magic will host conference foe Milwaukee. Friday's matchup is the first of the season between the two teams.

The Milwaukee Bucks will be without Khris Middleton tonight vs. the Sacramento Kings as they try to bounce back from a tough loss in New York.

(AP Photo/John Raoux) Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) looks to pass the ball as Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John ...

The Magic are coming off a 104-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday to improve to 12-1 when holding opponents to fewer than 100 points. They outscored the Sixers 31-22 in the fourth quarter to push their league-leading fourth-quarter point differential to plus-120.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 35 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 130-112 win over the visiting Toronto Raptors on Friday night.

Dec 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is fouled by Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (35) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum.