76ers vs Bucks Prediction
The Philadelphia 76ers invade the Fiserv Forum to battle the new-look Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night, October 26 in NBA action. Let's break down this game and give out a prediction.
Philadelphia 76ers Betting Preview
The Philadelphia 76ers will be eager to kick off their season on the right foot after winning 54 games last season, only to fall painfully short to the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the second round. The 76ers didn't make a lot of noise in the offseason, but that doesn't mean that they won't be making some moves during the season as James Harden has already stated that he wants out of Philadelphia. Once again, the fate of the 76ers lies heavily on the shoulders of Joel Embiid and and Tyrese Maxey, but we should see them adopt more of a team offense now that they had Nick Nurse appointed as their head coach.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks were very busy in the offseason as they acquired Damian Lillard via trade, they signed Malik Beasley and Cameron Payne from free agency while re-signing Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks have moved on from Jrue Holiday as their point guard and they also have a new head coach in Adrian Griffin. We have yet to see Lillard really gel with his new team and that's going to take some time, but Lillard provides 3-point shooting and clutch offense which is two of the Bucks' biggest weaknesses coming into the season.
Peter's Pick
The Bucks are understandably favorites at home in this spot, but they were far from impressive in the preseason and they will surely be going through some growing pains early on. The 76ers should be fine in the short term without Harden, as Maxey has already shown that he can pick up the slack, but coming in shorthanded to start the season against the Bucks on the road is a big challenge. This should be a close contest, but in the end I have the Bucks pulling away for the win and cover at home.
