76ers vs. Bucks odds, props, predictions: Two title contenders open NBA seasons

The start of the NBA season has been fantastic over the first two nights. The only teams that haven't played yet are a couple of Eastern Conference contenders in the 76ers and Bucks. That changes tonight in Milwaukee where Bucks' new-look lineup with Damian Lillard at point guard play host to Philadelphia.

Here we look at 76ers vs. Bucks odds, props and predictions.

The 76ers will likely be without All-Star guard James Harden, who has been absent at times throughout the preseason. It is still unknown if and when Harden may suit for the 76ers. Harden's absence will give fourth-year guard Tyrese Maxey the opportunity to play a more prominent role. Maxey has shown flashes of being a potential star, improving his scoring every year during his NBA career.

The Bucks have the advantage at home in this game with their entire roster available for the season-opener. Don't discount the 76ers, though, as Joel Embiid, regardless of his surrounding cast, has frequently powered Philadelphia to wins on his way to winning back-to-back MVPs the past two seasons.

Betting odds for 76ers vs. Bucks NBA opener: Milwaukee lays substantial points at home 

Pay attention to the live odds for the Eastern Conference game until Harden's status for the game is official. 

Philadelphia 76ers futures odds for 2023-24 NBA season

The 76ers will be yearly contenders for as long as Joel Embiid leads the way for Philadelphia. If Harden joins the team and plays like he is capable, coupled with the growth of Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers can be contenders for an NBA title this season. As a contender, there are plenty of excellent odds for a slew of season-long props at the best sportsbooks in the U.S.

• 76ers to win the NBA title +2800 (Caesars)
• 76ers to win the Eastern Conference +1100 (BetRivers)
• Joel Embiid to win MVP +1000 (Caesars)
• Joel Embiid to win Defensive Player of the Year +2500 (BetMGM)
• Tyrese Maxey to win 6th Man of the Year +3000 (Caesars)
• Tyrese Maxey to win Most Improved Player +1100 (FanDuel)

Milwaukee Bucks futures odds for 2023-24 NBA season

Milwaukee did everything it could in the offseason to maximize Giannis Antetokounmpo's prime. One championship was not enough to satisfy the franchise, and adding Damian Lillard elevates the Bucks to the top tier of contenders for an NBA championship. Looking at their season-long prop odds gives insight into a potentially special season for Milwaukee. 

• Bucks to win the NBA title +410 (FanDuel)
• Bucks to win the Eastern Conference +175 (BetMGM)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo to win MVP +650 (FanDuel)
• Damian Lillard to win MVP +4000 (FanDuel)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo to win Defensive Player of the Year +900 (Caesars)
• Damian Lillard to win Clutch Player of the Year +1000 (BetMGM)
• Bobby Portis to win 6th Man of the Year +2300 (FanDuel)

Philadelphia 76ers betting news

The 76ers have come up short in the postseason several years in a row, and Philadelphia did not make any major moves to improve the team in the offseason. Fans feel frustrated, especially when comparing their team to the Bucks, who made substantial moves to enhance their chances of winning the NBA title.

The 76ers, as constructed, have plenty of talent to contend despite their lack of offseason moves. It is more a matter of peaking at the right time while keeping their stars healthy for the playoffs. A healthy 76ers team playing at their best will be a handful for any team in the NBA.

Tyrese Maxey is developing into a star, as he has improved every year, but for Philadelphia to reach their ceiling, the team needs to reach a resolution with James Harden. Harden either needs to be at his best and give the 76ers an entire season, or Philadelphia needs to trade him and attempt to get a high-level player in return, even if they have to give up future draft capital to make it happen.

Milwaukee Bucks betting news

Injuries derailed the Bucks' hopes of winning their second NBA title in three seasons. If they just ran it back again, hoping for better health in the playoffs, Milwaukee would have still been a title contender. The Bucks did not do that, though. They went for broke, trading a lot of assets to acquire Lillard, immediately launching themselves into one of the top teams odds-wise to win the 2023-2024 NBA title.

Regardless of the assets Milwaukee had to give up to get Lillard, keeping their second-best player from last season, Khris Middleton, was an absolute coup. Middleton will now be the third star behind Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Even if Middleton's scoring numbers dip slightly, expect his efficiency to be the best of his career, as opposing defenses won't be able to expend the resources on him they did when he was the Bucks' number two option.

76ers vs. Bucks props for NBA Thursday on TNT

If you are looking for great player props for NBA Thursday on TNT, FanDuel has you covered.

• Joel Embiid
  • 29.5 points over (-108) / under (-118)
  • 9.5 rebounds over (-113) / under (-113)
  • 4.5 assists over (-125) / under (-102)
• Tyrese Maxey
  • 22.5 points over (-102) / under (-125)
  • 3.5 threes made over (+122) / under (-156)
  • 3.5 rebounds over (+126) / under (-162)
  • 5.5 assists over (+128) / under (-164)
• Tobias Harris
  • 14.5 points over (-122) / under (-104)
  • 1.5 threes made over (-104) / under (-122)
  • 5.5 rebounds over (-125) / under (-102)
  • 2.5 assists over (-178) / under (+138)
• Damian Lillard
  • 26.5 points over (-113) / under (-113)
  • 4.5 threes made over (+124) / under (-160)
  • 4.5 rebounds over (+110) / under (-140)
  • 7.5 assists over (+108) / under (-138)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo
  • 28.5 points over (-106) / under (-120)
  • 0.5 threes made over (-111) / under (-115)
  • 11.5 rebounds over (-115) / under (-111)
  • 5.5 assists over (+110) / under (-140)
• Khris Middleton
  • 13.5 points over (-102) / under (-125)
  • 1.5 threes made over (-111) / under (-115)
  • 3.5 rebounds over (-122) / under (-104)
  • 3.5 assists over (-138) / under (+108)

76ers vs. Bucks prediction: Milwaukee defends home court 

Milwaukee will be pushing for a championship season boasting one of the NBA's most talented rosters. Philadelphia may have similar talent as the Bucks. Where is the 76ers focus level at to start the season? It is hard to think it is in a good place with the uncertainty around Harden.  

The Bucks want to make a statement in Lillard's debut, especially playing at home. The higher level of focus while enjoying home court will give the Bucks an edge in this matchup.