Bucks vs 76ers Picks and Prediction – 10/23/2024

In the first game of a Wednesday night NBA on ESPN doubleheader, the Milwaukee Bucks will square off against the Philadelphia 76ers from the Wells Fargo Center. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Bucks were expected to compete for an NBA Championship when they acquired Damian Lillard last offseason, but were bounced in the first round of the playoffs by Indiana. Milwaukee ranked fifth in the league in offensive efficiency, but struggled to get stops until head coach Doc Rivers took over. 

All-Star F Giannis Antetokounmpo brought Milwaukee a championship by scoring 50 points versus Phoenix in a closeout game back in 2021. Lillard, who is 34 entering this season, is reportedly in better shape but the Bucks title window is quickly closing. 

The Philadelphia 76ers won 25 of 41 home games during the regular season and are in search of their first conference finals appearance in more than 20 years. The 76ers failed to crack the top ten in offensive and defensive efficiency due in large part to Joel Embiid’s injuries. When healthy, Embiid (34.7 ppg) is one of the most dominant offensive forces in the game, but he tends to wear down come playoff time. 

To take some of the scoring load off Embiid, Philadelphia signed All-Star G Paul George to a 4-year $212 million dollar deal. Tyrese Maxey (25.9 ppg) flourished in Embiid’s absence and needs to continue to produce at a high level for the 76ers to become title contenders. 

All-Stars Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (knee) will be forced to sit out for Philadelphia in the season opener. The 76ers have assembled a nice roster to compliment their star players, but it will be a tough task to defeat the Bucks without them. Take Milwaukee to win and cover on the road. Final Score Prediction, Milwaukee Bucks win 117-107.