Bucks vs. 76ers: Eastern Conference Clash Predictions & Best Bet

Philadelphia 76ers (20-31 SU, 20-30 ATS) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (27-23 SU, 21-28 ATS)

When: Sunday, February 9th, 2:00 PM (ET)

Where: Fiserv Forum, WI, Milwaukee

TV: ABC

Point Spread: Phi +2/Mil -2

Total: 227

Money Line: Philadelphia 76ers +106/-127

Notable Injuries

76ers

• Joel Embiid (Questionable) Knee
• Guerschon Yabusele (Probable) Right Knee
• Jared McCain (Out) Knee

Bucks

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Out) Calf
• Pat Connaughton (Questionable) Calf
• Liam Robbins (Questionable) Groin

At 2:00 ET, the 76ers (+106) will be in Milwaukee to take on the Bucks (-127). Philadelphia is currently 11th in the Eastern Conference, while Milwaukee is 5th.

The over/under line for this game is 227 points. The Bucks (-2) are favored and have a record of 27-23. The 76ers have lost two straight and are 20-31 overall.

Recent Form

The 76ers fell to 20-31 on the season after a 125-112 road loss to the Pistons on Friday. Philadelphia entered the game as 5.5-point favorites but failed to cover the spread. The total score of 237 points exceeded the over/under line of 224.5 by 12.5 points.

Detroit took control early, going on a 12-0 run to stretch the score from 59-39 to 71-39. Philadelphia responded by outscoring the Pistons 39-29 in the 3rd quarter and 24-18 in the 4th, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

The Bucks fell to 27-23 on the season after a 115-110 road loss to the Hawks on Friday. Milwaukee, favored by 2.5 points, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 225 points came in under the 238-point line.

Milwaukee’s performance was a rollercoaster. After the Hawks went on an 11-0 run early, the Bucks responded with a dominant 47-19 2nd quarter. However, Atlanta took control again with a 37-17 3rd quarter, and despite Milwaukee closing the gap to 92-90 heading into the 4th, the Hawks edged them out 23-20 in the final period.

The Historicals

Across the previous five meetings between the teams, the Bucks have an average scoring margin of +12 points per game, leading to an ATS mark of 4-1. The over-under record in these same games is 3-2, with the teams combining for an average of 226 points per game.

Analysis

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 27 points and seven assists in their loss to the Pistons, hitting four threes at a 40% rate. Joel Embiid added 23 points, with 20 of those coming in the 3rd quarter, despite shooting just 38.9% from the field. Paul George contributed 14 points, shooting 60% overall and 66.7% from beyond the arc.

As a team, the 76ers connected on 13 threes, shooting 41.9% from deep and 49.4% overall. Maxey scored 11 points in the 1st quarter and added another 10 in the 3rd. Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre also chipped in 14 points each, with Grimes scoring 7 in the 4th quarter.

The 76ers’ defense struggled early, giving up 42 points in the 1st quarter and 36 in the 2nd, leading to a 125-112 loss to the Pistons. Philadelphia tightened up in the 4th, allowing just 18 points, but the damage was already done. Detroit shot 45% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Pistons hit 17 threes at a 38% clip. Philadelphia also sent Detroit to the line 26 times, where they made 20 free throws. The 76ers allowed 21 offensive rebounds while recording seven steals and seven blocks.

Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 26 points and 15 rebounds in their loss to the Hawks, hitting four threes at a 50% rate. Damian Lillard added 23 points, though he shot just 36.8% from the field, also making four threes but at a 30.8% clip. Gary Trent Jr. contributed 19 points, knocking down five threes at 62.5% efficiency.

The Bucks hit 19 threes at a 38% rate, with an overall field goal percentage of 42.7%. Trent scored 14 of his points in the 2nd quarter, while Lillard added 7 in the 4th. Portis was consistent, scoring 8 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters.

The Bucks’ defense had strong 2nd and 4th quarters but struggled in the 1st and 3rd, allowing 36 and 37 points, respectively, in their 115-110 loss to the Hawks. Milwaukee did a solid job defending the three, holding Atlanta to 13 made threes on 36% shooting.

Milwaukee sent the Hawks to the line 18 times, where they made 12 free throws. The Bucks grabbed 36 defensive rebounds but gave up 11 offensive boards. They also recorded five steals and three blocks in the game.

Betting Trends

• Through their last ten road contests, the 76ers offense has averaged 110 points per game while allowing an average of 115. Philadelphia posted an overall record of 3-7 while going 4-6 ATS.
• Through their last five home contests, the Bucks offense has averaged 109 points per game while allowing an average of 122. Milwaukee posted an overall record of 1-4 while going 0-5 ATS.
• Through their last three games as the betting underdog, the 76ers have a strong record vs the spread, going 3-0. Their straight-up mark in these contests is 1-2.
• Going back to their previous three games as the favorite, Milwaukee has an ATS mark of 0-3 while going 1-2 straight up.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

The Bucks have already ruled out Giannis with a calf injury for this afternoon’s matchup vs the Sixers, but they are still favored by -2. Milwaukee blew a huge lead in their last game vs the Hawks, and Philadelphia is uncertain about Joel Embiid’s status, as he is questionable with a knee injury. Even without Giannis, I think the Bucks come out with some good energy at home, and they win this one and cover the spread.