The NBA’s opening week of action continues Wednesday when the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Milwaukee is coming off a disappointing year after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs despite pairing Damian Lillard with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Philadelphia also suffered a first-round exit, but it added significant talent over the summer in nine-time All-Star Paul George.
The Bucks and Sixers both have title aspirations in 2024-25, and it all starts here. Check out the latest Bucks vs 76ers odds below, plus my best bets and predictions for this showdown between Eastern Conference heavyweights.
Bucks vs 76ers Odds
NBA odds are current as of Friday, Oct. 18, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Bucks (+142) vs 76ers (-170)
- Spread: Bucks +3.5 (-110) vs 76ers -3.5 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 225 (-110) / Under 225 (-110)
Bucks vs 76ers Prediction
Bucks 117, 76ers 114
Sixers fans eager to see George make his regular-season debut may have to wait just a bit longer. The star forward injured his knee during the preseason, and his status for Philadelphia’s season opener is in question.
Fortunately for the 76ers, Milwaukee could also be without its All-Star wing, Khris Middleton. The 33-year-old underwent surgeries on both ankles over the summer and has yet to return, meaning the Bucks will need to rely much more heavily on Lillard and Antetokounmpo.
Whether George takes the floor or not, Philly can still lean on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, who carried the load for the bulk of the 2023-24 campaign. Embiid averaged nearly 35 points per game in 39 appearances, while Maxey took a leap forward and posted career-high marks in points, assists, and rebounds.
With all that out of the way, I’m banking on Milwaukee to steal this one on the road. The Bucks swept the season series 3-0 last year, and I expect them to look much better in 2024-25.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Bucks vs 76ers Best Bets
Bucks +3.5 (-110) @ 76ers
I’m not too concerned about the way the 2023-24 season ended if I’m Milwaukee. Giannis missed the entire postseason, Lillard sat out for a few games, and the team was still navigating life with a new head coach. It’s rare for superstars to come together and succeed in their first year, though.
Those are two reasons why I’m expecting bigger things from the Bucks in 2024-25. Lillard and Antetokounmpo have had plenty more time to build continuity and learn how to play with one another, and with stability at the coaching position, the players can focus solely on performing.
Philadelphia should be in for a strong campaign, too, but Embiid’s health is always a concern. He missed the entire preseason, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he looked rusty in his debut on Wednesday night.
Milwaukee may not win, but given this team’s success against the Sixers last year, they should at least be in position to keep things close. Back the Bucks to cover as 3.5-point underdogs with your NBA bet of the day.
Over 225 Points (-110)
Milwaukee was hyper-focused on offense last season, ranking fourth in scoring, sixth in offensive rating, and seventh in pace. The roster is largely intact heading into this year, so I would expect more of the same from the Bucks in their debut.
This team also still lacks a defender at the point of attack, leaving it vulnerable to players like Maxey. Regardless of who suits up alongside him — whether it be Embiid, George, both, or neither — Milwaukee probably won’t offer much resistance on defense.
Given the circumstances, the Over looks like the way to go in this spot.
