The Milwaukee Bucks (43-7) host the Philadelphia 76ers (31-20) Thursday in a battle of the first and sixth seeds in the Eastern Conference at Fiserv Forum. Tip-off isset for 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the 76ers-Bucks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
76ers at Bucks: Key Injuries
76ers
- C Joel Embiid (hand) available
- SG Josh Richardson (hamstring) out
Bucks
- SF Thanasis Antetokounmpo (shoulder) probable
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76ers at Bucks: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:10 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Bucks 114, 76ers 102
Moneyline (ML)
The Bucks (-455) remain cost-prohibitive favorites with a $10 bet on the home side to win outright returning a profit of just $2.20. They’re 9-1 across their last 10 games and coming off back-to-back wins over the Phoenix Suns (129-108) and New Orleans Pelicans (120-108) Sunday and Tuesday, respectively. At this price point, we need to PASS.
The Sixers (+340) offer better than a 3-1 return on your investment for a straight-up win, but they come in with an awful 9-18 road record, and they’ve lost each of their last three games overall. The early Thursday morning additions of F Glen Robinson III and G Alec Burks from the Golden State Warriors are unlikely to make an impact just yet. The 76ers beat the Bucks 121-109 at home on Christmas Day, but don’t expect another 8-for-27 shooting performance from Bucks SF Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The BUCKS (-8.5, -115) will need to win by at least 9 points. Milwaukee has outscored its opposition by 12.4 points per game on the season. It is 14-12 against the spread at home, where it wins by an average of 13.3 PPG and covers the spread by an additional 1.6 points.
The Sixers road struggles also pertain to the spread. They’re a league-worst 7-18-2 ATS away from home while losing by an average of 4.7 PPG and failing to cover by 5.8 PPG.
Over/Under (O/U)
Take the UNDER 225.5 (+100) at even money. The two teams combine to allow an average of 213.7 PPG to rank third and sixth in the Eastern Conference. Both teams come in with rest, with the Sixers last playing Monday and the Bucks playing Tuesday. Expect a tight playoff-like matchup.
Esten’s NBA betting record: 183-148
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