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The Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks open their seasons Thursday at Fiserv Forum. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 76ers vs. Bucks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting of 2023; split last season’s series 2-2
The 76ers moved on from coach Doc Rivers in the offseason, replacing him with Nick Nurse. Philadelphia finished with a 54-28 record last season before being eliminated in the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the 3rd straight year despite C Joel Embiid winning his 1st NBA MVP award.
The Bucks also made a coaching change, replacing coach Mike Budenholzer with Adrian Griffin in the offseason. After getting bounced in the 1st round of the playoffs in 2022-23, Milwaukee acquired G Damian Lillard to pair with F Giannis Antetokounmpo.
76ers at Bucks odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:41 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): 76ers +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Bucks -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): 76ers +5.5 (-105) | Bucks -5.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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76ers at Bucks key injuries
76ers
- G James Harden (conditioning) out
Bucks
- None
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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76ers at Bucks picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 116, 76ers 106
Moneyline
Even though the Bucks are expected to secure the win at home, just AVOID the moneyline in this game. Betting on a team at -250 odds isn’t advised in any circumstance.
Against the spread
BUCKS -5.5 (-115) is an enticing wager as the 76ers are without Harden amid trade rumors, and the Bucks have the clear edge in talent. Even with Milwaukee bringing F Khris Middleton along cautiously off of a knee injury, it’s hard to see Lillard and Antetokounmpo struggling to gel in the season opener.
The Bucks went 24-18-2 ATS at home last season and the 76ers appear to be in disarray before the season even starts.
Over/Under
UNDER 224.5 (-105) is the lean in this contest as it’s tough to see how the 76ers will generate consistent points outside of Embiid. The Bucks should also boast one of the best defensive units again with Antetokounmpo and C Brook Lopez manning the frontcourt.
In the 4 meetings between the 76ers and the Bucks last season, the Under went 3-1.
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