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The Philadelphia 76ers will battle the Milwaukee Bucks in a matchup of premier Eastern Conference teams. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a 76ers-Bucks prediction and pick.
This game could be a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals. The 76ers just made a huge move by acquiring guard James Harden from the Brooklyn Nets, and they look set to make a deep playoff run behind Harden and star center Joel Embiid. The Bucks didn't make any flashy deadline acquisitions, probably because they already have the roster to make a return to the NBA Finals. This game has the potential to be one of the best matchups of the season, so let's cut to the chase and get straight into the pick.
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Here are the 76ers-Bucks NBA odds, courtesy 0f FanDuel.
NBA Odds: 76ers-Bucks Odds
Philadelphia 76ers: +6.5 (-110)
Milwaukee Bucks: -6.5 (-110)
Over: 223 (-110)
Under: 223 (-110)
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Why The 76ers Could Cover The Spread
Philadelphia should be able to consistently produce on the offensive end in this matchup. The Bucks don't have great defensive numbers, as they allow their opponents to shoot 53% from two-point range and nearly 35% from beyond the arc. Milwaukee has also been getting absolutely shredded on defense lately, shown by the fact that they've allowed more than 115 points in each of their last four contests. The Sixers aren't a particularly good offensive team, but they should be able to produce well in this one.
The Bucks will likely be playing this game shorthanded. Guards Grayson Allen and George Hill will probably sit Thursday's game, along with backup forward DeAndre' Bembry. Allen is an important role player for this team, and Hill provides valuable minutes off of the bench. Without those two in action, the Bucks will be forced to play point guard Lindell Wigginton and Wesley Matthews for extended minutes. That doesn't sound like a recipe for success against a fellow Eastern Conference contender.
Why The Bucks Could Cover The Spread
Despite the fact that the Sixers are a decent defensive team, the Bucks shouldn't have too much trouble running up the score. Philadelphia, much like Milwaukee, has struggled to stop their opponents recently. The Sixers have allowed more than 110 points in three of their last five games, including a complete defensive implosion against the Boston Celtics in which Philly gave up 135 points. The last time these teams played, the Bucks dropped 118 points, and Milwaukee has improved significantly since then. This should be a good offensive showing from the Bucks.
While the Bucks are dealing with a variety of injuries, the Sixers are dealing with one key one. James Harden won't play in this game, leaving Philadelphia thin at shooting guard. Seth Curry was traded to the Nets, which means that Furkan Korkmaz will be forced to start this game. Isaiah Joe and Danny Green will also be pushed into bigger roles than usual. Harden's absence means that the Sixers should have some trouble stretching the floor, making things even easier for Milwaukee.
Final 76ers-Bucks Prediction & Pick
Take the Bucks with confidence here. If Harden was playing things may be different, but his absence will likely be too big for the Sixers to overcome, especially against such a good opponent.
Final 76ers-Bucks Prediction & Pick: Milwaukee Bucks: -6.5 (-110)
