The Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks are side-by-side in the standings as the NBA hits its stretch run. Both teams are in good shape to make the postseason but would love to get as high of a seed as possible.
Philadelphia is slightly ahead by percentage points but these teams look extremely even in talent level. With that the case, the Bucks should be considered the favorite since they have the home court advantage.
The 76ers have played some solid ball of late and are certainly capable of pulling off this upset if they play well. Don’t expect the spread to be too large in this matchup.
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Odds Analysis
The 76ers are 32-27 straight up and 32-25-2 against the spread. Philadelphia is 13-15-2 against the spread on the road this year. The 76ers are 12-11-2 against the spread as the underdog.
The Bucks are 33-28 straight up and 26-32-3 against the spread. Milwaukee is just 10-19-2 against the spread at home. It is 15-19-2 against the spread as the favorite.
Key Stat
Three. That’s the number of losses in a row the Bucks have dealt with as they are dropping in the East. The teams are all so tightly bunched together that losing streaks are going to adversely affect anyone who goes on one.
Milwaukee has kept two of the games close, losing by a bucket to the Pelicans and then by three points to the Wizards. However, the Bucks were blown out by the Pistons last time out and need to regroup in order to avoid a further fall in the standings.
This is a big spot for the team, which is trying to announce itself as one of the up-and-coming powers in the East behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. He can’t do it alone, though, as Milwaukee would like to find some good balance down the stretch.
Player To Watch
Ben Simmons -- Each team has a star big man, with Antetokounmpo leading the way for Milwaukee and Joel Embiid for Philadelphia. But the 76ers’ best chance at pulling the upset will be relying on its talented rookie. Simmons is having an outstanding year, averaging 16.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.4 assists.
He is shooting 53.2 percent from the field and has become a menace on the defensive end of the court, remaining among the league leaders in steals. Simmons’ first year in the NBA was sidetracked by injuries but he has returned with a vengeance this season.
He has improved as the season has moved along and is a big reason why Philadelphia has such an intriguing young core for the future.
Free NBA ATS Picks
Both teams are young and have star talent. The future looks bright for each organization after several years of subpar seasons. Making it to the postseason will be a nice step, but both are looking to get a high enough seed to compete for a first-round win.
The 76ers should be able to keep this contest close, but the Bucks will come away with a hard-earned victory. Even if the spread is small, Philadelphia could be the right choice to cover.
Consider the “over” in this matchup as each team will be willing to push the pace.
NBA Odds: Bucks 110, 76ers 109
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