The Milwaukee Bucks (3-0) look to remain unbeaten when they meet the Philadelphia 76ers (2-2) at Fiserv Forum. The game can be seen on ESPN at 9:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 24, 2018.
Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks ATS Prediction
Although the 76ers were beaten by the Detroit Pistons in their last contest, 133-132, they were able to cover as 12.5-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (265) finished well over the projected point total of 217.5. Detroit’s 6.3 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Philadelphia, who had a rate of 9.1. The Pistons’ mark was better than their season average of 9.8. Joel Embiid was Philadelphia’s leading scorer with 33 points on 11-for-20 shooting.
The last time the Bucks played, they defeated the New York Knicks, 124-113, but failed to cover as 11.5-point favorites. The combined points for the game (237) were over the projected point total of 227. The Bucks had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.3 vs. 23.4) and had a better free throw rate (0.177 vs. 0.131). Giannis Antetokounmpo was the top scorer from either team with 31 points on 13-for-29 shooting.
The physical Milwaukee offense could be living from the charity stripe in this showdown. Since last season, the Bucks rank fifth in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.215, while Philadelphia has been among the NBA’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 26th-ranked FTA rate of 0.216). It will also be a tale of two styles as the up-and-down 76ers rank fourth in possessions per game, while the more methodical Bucks rank 24th.
Since last season, the 76ers are 54-32 straight up (SU) and 50-34-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Philadelphia games since last season with 43 overs compared to 41 unders.
Meanwhile, the Bucks, have records of 47-38 SU and 40-51 ATS since last season. A little over half of Milwaukee’s games have finished over the projected point total over that same period.
These two teams split four games last season. In the most recent matchup, the 76ers won 130-95. The 76ers had a much better turnover percentage (9.7 vs. 17.1) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.0 vs. 20.0).
Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Bucks, ATS Winner – Bucks, O/U – Over
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Philadelphia is 24-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while Milwaukee is 19-6.
When reaching the century mark, the Bucks are 43-22 and the 76ers are 56-23.
Philadelphia ranks first in rebounds per game (47.7) while Milwaukee ranks last (40.2).
The 76ers rank fourth in second chance points per game (13.9) while the Bucks rank last (10.3).
Milwaukee ranks third in points off turnovers per game (17.9) while Philadelphia ranks 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.9).
The Bucks rank third in steals per game (8.6) while the 76ers rank 24th in steals allowed per game (8.3).
Philadelphia ranks first in points allowed in the paint per game (41.5) while Milwaukee ranks 22nd (47.0).
The Bucks rank fourth in blocks per game (5.6) while the 76ers rank 23rd in blocks allowed per game (5.2).
Philadelphia ranks 12th in three pointers attempted per game (30.0) while Milwaukee ranks 25th (25.3).
The 76ers average 27.0 assists per game, which ranks second in the league. The Bucks rank 15th in assists allowed per game (23.3).
Milwaukee is second in the NBA with 10.0 fast break points allowed per game while Philadelphia is fourth with 10.5 fast break points allowed per game.
*****
