Two of the contenders for the Eastern Conference crown will face off this week in a game that could be a preview of a playoff showdown. The Milwaukee Bucks have put together a fantastic regular season and they are in line to finish as the top seed in the East with the best record in the NBA. They will play the Philadelphia 76ers, who have a lot of talent themselves and are trying to finish as the No. 3 seed in the East.
The Bucks are the home team and have been better all year, so they will be a pretty solid favorite. However, Philadelphia is good enough to make this a competitive matchup. Milwaukee can take a big step in wrapping up the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a victory in this matchup in NBA wagering.
This NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks will be held at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 17th, 2019. The game will be nationally televised on ABC.
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NBA Betting Lines at BookMaker.eu
Odds Analysis
The 76ers have a record of 44-25 on the season. They are in a close fight with the Pacers and Celtics for the third seed in the Eastern Conference and are currently in the catbird seat. Philadelphia has won three consecutive games heading into this one, including a win over the Kings last time out. The 76ers have been so-so on the road this year with a 16-16 mark in NBA betting lines.
The Bucks are 52-17 on the season. They were down big to the Miami Heat last time out but rallied for the victory. Milwaukee is three games ahead of the Toronto Raptors in the standings and it would take a huge letdown to lose the league’s best record. The Bucks are 27-5 at home on the year and will aim to extend that dominance.
Player To Watch
Joel Embiid -- The 76ers’ star center missed a recent stretch with a knee injury but is back on the court. It shouldn’t be a surprise that Philly had some issues without him and is 3-0 since his return. Embiid is having a fantastic season, averaging 27.2 points, 13.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. Injuries have always been the concern, but when on the court he is a star.
Embiid had an impressive return, scoring 33 points and hauling down 12 rebounds in a blowout win over the Pacers. He followed that up with 17 points, 19 rebounds, five assists and four blocks in a victory over the Cavaliers, and then added 21 points, 17 rebounds and four blocks last time out against Sacramento. The 76ers will be the underdog, but if Embiid plays well it will give them a chance to come away with the upset.
Key Stat
3. That’s where both the Bucks and 76ers rank in points per game leaguewide this season, Milwaukee is No. 2 at 117.6 points per contest. The Bucks are led by star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he is getting some help from players like Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe.
The 76ers aren’t far behind at No. 3, as they are averaging 114.9 points per contest. Embiid is a key scorer, and Philadelphia also boasts Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris, J.J. Redick and Ben Simmons. This game could have plenty of scoring with both of these teams are involved.
Free NBA ATS Picks
Milwaukee is going to be too tough to beat at home, but the spread is going to be interesting. Philadelphia does not do great on the road, but this team seems to be jelling nicely as the postseason approaches.
The 76ers should give the Bucks all they can handle and cover the spread. The “under” is the call as the defense will be ramped up in this one as it could be a playoff-like atmosphere in NBA odds.
NBA Score Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks 113, Philadelphia 76ers 109
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