Bucks vs 76ers: How to watch & betting preview for Season-opener

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Sixers
Joel Embiid at the Philadelphia 76ers’ Blue x White scrimmage at the Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, DE. Photo credit: Jaden Kelly

Bucks vs 76ers: After a long wait, the 2024 NBA Regular Season is here. The Philadelphia 76ers kick off their season against the Milwaukee Bucks and will be hoping that the home-court advantage will be enough to lift them over the Bucks, with the team coming into their season-opener shorthanded.

Bucks vs 76ers: How to watch

When: Wednesday, October 23rd, 7:30PM EST
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
How: ESPN

Bucks vs 76ers: Betting info

Spread: Bucks -3.5 | 76ers +3.5
Moneyline: Bucks -166 | 76ers +140
Total: Over/Under 224

Bucs vs 76ers: NBA season-opener betting preview

While the long-term prospects of this Sixers team are encouraging, they will enter the opening game of the year behind the 8-ball. Paul George and Joel Embiid are both OUT for the clash against Milwaukee. Embiid specifically will miss all games this week, leaving the Sixers with a lot to do if they are carve out to win against the Bucks.

Milwaukee comes into this contest hoping to start off strong and avenge a second-consecutive postseason disappointment. They spent the offseason building out the bench and it’s paid dividends, but they too will be without a key player as Khris Middleton is expected to miss Wednesday’s matchup.

The Sixers have lost all four of their last games against the Bucks and an underhanded starting 5 might have difficulty bucking that trend against a team growing in both experience and confidence under a familiar face in Doc Rivers.

76ers Embiid sixers
Sep 30, 2024; Camden, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) poses for a photo on media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Why the Bucks can win

The Bucks should have a much easier night ahead than originally anticipated. Giannis will have green pastures to dominate inside and it will once again be the Tyrese Maxey show for Philly offensively. If the Bucks can spread the ball around, they should have no problem pushing the pace against a team now void of dynamic scorers.

76ers
Oct 13, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Why the 76ers can win

The 76ers might be dealing with injuries, but the growth of Maxey alone last year was a sight to behold. If he can further carry the mantle, the supporting cast involving the likes of Andre Drummond and Kelly Oubre Jr. might be able to band together enough scoring to at least keep them in the game. It’s going to be a tough test for Nick Nurse, but this is an opportunity to see how deep the talent pool flows.

76ers
Oct 18, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Eric Gordon (23) shoots a three-point basket over Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Bucks vs 76ers: NFL Betting pick

I will be backing the Bucks here. 3.5 points just feels like a really mispriced line right now and as good as the Sixers can be, missing two of their big-three is going to be a really difficult task for them to overcome.

Bucks vs 76ers: Best betting promos

Photo credit: Jaden Kelly