At the Wells Fargo Center, the Milwaukee Bucks will open their new campaign by playing the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s time to make another prediction and choice in our NBA odds series for the Bucks-76ers matchup.
The Milwaukee Bucks are beginning a fresh campaign after an unfortunate finale to the last one in which they lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. With the “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo back to lead the club and Khris Middleton making his injury comeback, they are now ready for a run.
On Tuesday, the 76ers began their season in the hopes of having a successful debut. At the T.D. Garden in Boston, the Celtics defeated Philadelphia 126–117. James Harden scored 35 points to lead the club on 9 of 14 shooting. He also made 5 of 9 shots from beyond the arc. On 9 of 18 shooting, Joel Embiid scored 26 points and 15 rebounds. But he had trouble at the 3-point line, making only 1 of 6. Tyrese Maxy scored 21 points on 8 of his 16 attempts. He also made 2 out of 5 triples. Tobias Harris contributed an additional 18 points, going 7 for 14 from the field and 3 for 6 from beyond the arc. The 76ers, on the other hand, made blunders and turned the ball over 14 times.
Last year, the Bucks prevailed 2-1 in the season series. At the Wells Fargo Center, they first triumphed in the opening game 118-109. The Bucks were defeated 123-120 in the only matchup at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Then, by a score of 118-116, they won the decisive match at the Wells Fargo Center. In the last 10 meetings between the clubs at the Wells Fargo Center, the Bucks have a 7-3 record.
From FanDuel, here are the NBA odds between the Bucks and 76ers.
NBA Odds: Bucks-76ers Odds
Chicago Bulls: +4 (-110)
76ers of Philadelphia: -4 (-110)
Over: 223 (-112) (-112)
Under: 223 (-108)
Why The Bucks Could Cover The Spread
The ideal megastar for a team would be Antetokounmpo. He makes a lot of baskets, pulls down rebounds, and blocks shots. Similar to how Antetokounmpo, who lost last season’s NBA Finals in the second round, now has greater motivation to advance, he is a champion. However, Antetokounmpo was only capable of so much on his own. He also need Middleton. Milwaukee’s season was ruined by Middleton’s injury, making them susceptible in the postseason. He has returned and is prepared to perform for the Bucks.
With 29.9 points per game this season, Antetokounmpo was the Bucks’ top scorer. He then played the Sixers in three games last year, averaging 34.3 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Last year, Middleton averaged 20.1 points and 5.4 assists per game. In his two games against the 76ers, he also averaged 20.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. The first game of the season must be won, and both players will be prepared for it.
Another player to watch out for is Jrue Holliday. He averaged 18.3 points and 6.8 assists per game in his previous campaign. At centre, Brook Lopez is back and should offer some steadiness.
If Antetokounmpo and Middleton can get back to their exceptional scoring and find ways to get to the hoop, the Bucks will win against the spread. To help the Bucks win the opening, players like Holliday and Lopez must contribute.
Why The 76ers Could Cover The Spread
The Celtics outplayed the 76ers in the end, and they were unable to manage the attack, giving them a terrible start. There are still 81 games left, but in the end, it was just one game.
The team is led by Embiid, Harden, Maxey, and Harris. In essence, the 76ers’ results will determine whether they survive or not. Over the two games versus the Bucks in 2017, Embiid averaged 35.5 points per game, 14.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. Over three games versus the Bucks, Harden averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 assists, and 7.3 rebounds. Over the course of three games versus the Bucks, Maxey averaged 19.0 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.7 rebounds. Finally, throughout two games against the Bucks, Harris averaged 20.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.
The 76ers must prevent errors. They also can’t let Antetokounmpo and Middleton dictate how the game is played. The Sixers would be better able to manage the tempo if they took the lead early.
If their core four can perform from the field, the 76ers will win against the spread. Additionally, if they play wise basketball and prevent mistakes, they can cover. They cannot stop Antetokounmpo, but they should do their best to contain him.
Final Bucks-76ers Prediction & Pick
After suffering a defeat in Boston, the 76ers are playing in their home debut. However, the Bucks are too good to give the 76ers four points. A buzzer-beater might literally decide the outcome of the game. It will be close to the very end, with a winner not emerging until the final minute.
Final Bucks-76ers Prediction & Pick: Milwaukee Bucks: +4 (-110)
The postNBA Odds: Bucks vs. 76ers prediction, odds and pick – 10/20/2022
