76ers vs. Bucks odds, line, score prediction, time: 2024 NBA picks, October 23 best bets by proven model

The Milwaukee Bucks battle the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA regular season opener for both teams on Wednesday night. Milwaukee finished third in the Eastern Conference at 49-33 a year ago, while Philadelphia was the seventh seed at 47-35. The Bucks, who are looking to make the postseason for the ninth year in a row, were 18-22 on the road in 2023-24. The Sixers, who are eyeing their eighth consecutive playoff appearance, were 25-16 on their home court last season. Milwaukee small forward Khris Middleton (ankle) is out, while the Sixers have ruled out Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (knee).

Tip-off from Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Bucks lead the all-time series 121-105, and have won the last four meetings. Milwaukee is the 3.5-point road favorite in the latest Bucks vs. 76ers odds from SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 222.5. Before making any 76ers vs. Bucks picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions from the proven computer model at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six seasons. The model ended the 2023-24 season on a sizzling 94-61 roll on all top-rated NBA picks, returning more than $2,800 in the process. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps has seen huge returns.  

The model has set its sights on Bucks vs. Sixers and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see its picks. Here are several NBA betting lines for the Sixers vs. Bucks game:

• Bucks vs. 76ers spread: Milwaukee -3.5
• Bucks vs. 76ers over/under: 222.5 points
• Bucks vs. 76ers money line: Milwaukee -151, Philadelphia +135
• MIL: The Bucks have hit the first-half game total under in 35 of their last 61 games (+7.45 units)  
• PHI: The 76ers have hit the first-quarter money line in 27 of their last 45 games (+12.00 units)  
• Bucks vs. 76ers picks: See picks at SportsLine
• Bucks vs. 76ers streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)

Why the 76ers can cover

With Embiid and George out, the Sixers will lean on point guard Tyrese Maxey. In 70 games a year ago, all starts, he averaged 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds and one steal in 37.5 minutes of action. He is connecting on 45% of his field goals, including 37.3% from 3-point range, and 86.8% from the foul line. He has played well against the Bucks throughout his career. In 12 games against Milwaukee, he is averaging 21.8 points, 3.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 33 minutes.

After opening as favorites, the Sixers have moved to home underdogs after the new broke that Embiid and George would sit. Philadelphia was 25-20 against the spread last season at home and 33-26 ATS in conference games, so some of the betting trends point in their favor despite being shorthanded. See which team to pick here.

Why the Bucks can cover

Milwaukee is led by power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is a two-time MVP. In 73 starts last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks in 35.2 minutes. He connected on 61.1% of his field goals and 65.7% of his free throws. He has played well against the 76ers throughout his career, averaging 24.8 points, 11.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists vs. Philadelphia.

Point guard Damian Lillard enters his second season with the Bucks. In 73 starts last season, he averaged 24.3 points, seven assists, 4.4 rebounds and one steal in 35.3 minutes. He connected on 42.4% of his field goals, including 35.4% from 3-point range, and 92% from the free throw line. In 21 career games against Philadelphia, Lillard is averaging 24.9 points, 6.3 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 35.3 minutes of action. See which team to pick here.

How to make Bucks vs. 76ers picks

The model has simulated Bucks vs. 76ers 10,000 times and the results are in. The model is leaning Over on the point total and it also says one side of the spread hits in more than 60% of simulations. You can only see the pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Bucks vs. 76ers, and which side of the spread hits more than 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Bucks vs. 76ers spread you need to jump on, all from the model that was on a 94-61 roll on top-rated NBA picks last season, and find out.