Tip-off: 0105, 07/02/2020
Stadium: Fiserv Forum
TV: Sky Sports
Philadelphia 76ers can gain huge momentum if pulling off a victory at Eastern Conference leaders Milwaukee Bucks, but we fear that outcome is very unlikely.
The visitors have been in wretched form on their travels, losing on each of their last four road trips and in eight of their last 10 away from Wells Fargo Center.
They now face a Bucks side who have been dominant on the East coast, sitting 6.5 games ahead of second-placed Toronto Raptors, with Philadelphia six games further adrift.
Milwaukee can be a gung-ho outfit which does not focus on their defence, but the 76ers have lost each of their last four away games by at least 10 points.
We fancy the home side to prevail by 11-15 points at a price of 17/4 for our first Bucks vs 76ers prediction.
A Look At Milwaukee Bucks’ Betting Odds
Milwaukee have been a winning machine this season, with their home results just edging their away form as they dictate proceedings in the Eastern Conference.
The Bucks were in similar territory last campaign but fell in the Conference Final to eventual winners Toronto, although they look stronger this time around as genuine NBA championship contenders.
Milwaukee boosted their roster with the additions of Dragan Bender, Kyle Korver, Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews – with the last-named forcing himself into the starting line-up.
With the added experience of George Hill, who has been superb in his role as the Sixth Man, the Bucks have the tools to earn a first NBA championship since their only success in 1971.
Hill is a doubt after missing the last three matches due to a hamstring strain, but with reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo dominating nearly every match, it is easy to see why Milwaukee sit on top of the tree.
Eric Bledsoe and youngster Donte DiVencenzo have been valuable to Milwaukee’s cause this season, but the recent form of Khris Middleton has catapulted him into the spotlight.
His 51-point double-double against Washington Wizards last month was the stand-out performance in a six-game home streak where he has averaged 27.3 points per game.
With this in mind, 17/20 for Middleton to score over 20.5 points catches the eye from the Bucks vs 76ers odds.
A Look At Philadelphia 76ers’ Betting Odds
Philadelphia have been boosted by the return of impending three-time All-Star Joel Embiid, who is back in action after nine games out with a finger ligament injury.
Embiid, who will start at his third NBA All-Star Game in Chicago next week as part of Team Giannis, inspired the 76ers to victory on his first match back from a horrific-looking injury against Golden State Warriors on January 29.
However, Philadelphia have struggled ever since, with three successive road-trip defeats to add to a loss at Toronto before their two home wins at the end of last month.
Brett Brown’s side have fallen down the Eastern Conference ladder, sitting in sixth place, and are battling for a home play-off, with fourth-ranked Miami Heat 3.5 games ahead of them.
Tobias Harris has contributed in recent weeks but it is Ben Simmons who has been the main man for Philadelphia, with his average points per game on the road at 16.7 for the season.
His last six away matches have seen the Australian improve that mark to 23.7 and the 76ers will be desperate for him to continue his fine form in Milwaukee to stand a chance against one of the in-form teams.
Simmons is Evens to pour in over 18.5 points at the Fiserv Forum and, in an all-attacking contest, we believe this is a good pick to round off our Bucks vs 76ers betting tips.
Additional stats
Last result:
New Orleans 108-120 MILWAUKEE
Miami 137-106 PHILADELPHIA
Head-to-head: Philadelphia 121-109 Milwaukee, Philadelphia 122-128 Milwaukee, Milwaukee 125-130 Philadelphia, Milwaukee 123-108 Philadelphia
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