The Philadelphia 76ers (0-1) welcome the Milwaukee Bucks (0-0) to Wells Fargo Center. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Bucks vs. 76ers odds, and our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Being 1 of the 2 nationally televised games on Thursday evening, all eyes will be on these 2 organizations, both having championship-level expectations this season.
The 76ers kicked their season with a loss to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, failing to cover as 3-point underdogs in the 126-117 loss. G James Harden was the star of the show for Philadelphia, scoring 35.
The Bucks, who will be without their 2nd option in G Khris Middleton, are coming off a postseason exit against the Celtics.
The Bucks do have F Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is one of the several MVP candidates this season. The Greek Freak and G Jrue Holiday will carry most of the scoring load for Milwaukee.
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Bucks at 76ers odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:32 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Bucks +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | 76ers -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bucks +4.5 (-112) | 76ers -4.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Bucks at 76ers key injuries
Bucks
- G Joe Ingles (knee) out
- G Khris Middleton (wrist) out
76ers
- None
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Bucks at 76ers picks and predictions
Prediction
76ers 114, Bucks 108
Moneyline
PASS.
I like the 76ers at home and am not sure Milwaukee will have the starpower without Middleton to keep pace. I wouldn’t back Philadelphia at -180 though.
Against the spread
BET 76ERS -4.5 (-108).
The Wells Fargo Center should be bumping for this battle, and the 76ers, while the scoreboard doesn’t reflect it, did play a good game for most their opener.
Milwaukee did not play well against good teams last season as it was just 7-13 ATS as an underdog. Without the sharpshooting Middleton to free up the Greek Freak, the 76ers, with several defensive-minded players, should be able to clog the lane.
The Bucks were just 7-9 straight up last season without Middleton. His absence will be huge and a good reason to back the 76ers here.
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 223.5 (-105).
Prime-time Overs got out to a hot start on Tuesday.
I expect reality to set in here, and with the Bucks down their 2nd-best scorer and the 76ers playing at the 5th-slowest pace last season, this game should be a low-scoring battle.
The 76ers also appeared to play a good bit of isolation basketball on Tuesday, and the Greek Freak and F Bobby Portis are good individual defenders and should be able to limit what Harden and C Joel Embiid are capable of doing.
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