The Philadelphia 76ers (20-31) and Milwaukee Bucks (27-23) will meet in the NBA this afternoon. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. ET from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The game will broadcast live on ABC.
The Bucks are 2-point favorites over the Sixers on the spread (Bucks -2), with the over/under set at 227 total points. Milwaukee is a -125 favorite to win outright, while Philly is +105 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my 76ers vs. Bucks predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, February 9.
76ers vs. Bucks Picks, Prediction
Spread
Philadelphia has moved from a +4.5 underdog to +2 following reports that Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss a fourth straight game with a calf injury.
Given Antetokounmpo's value on the point spread, this line adjustment is right around where it should be. Thus, I see no value at the current number in either direction.
Moneyline
The moneyline is another pass for me, considering we have two teams that aren't playing anywhere near the peak of their powers that we've seen in recent years.
Over/Under
The total does offer some intrigue as the Bucks are 7-2 to the Under this season in games without Antetokounmpo.
However, a better way to attack the Under might be to target the Bucks team total, as an alternate number of 115.5 looks exceptionally enticing.
My Pick: Bucks Team Total Under 115.5 (-130)
76ers vs. Bucks Odds
| 76ers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -110 | 227 -110 / -110 | +105 |
| Bucks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -110 | 227 -110 / -110 | -125 |
- 76ers vs. Bucks spread: Bucks -2
- 76ers vs. Bucks over/under: 227 total points
- 76ers vs. Bucks moneyline: 76ers +105, Bucks -125
- 76ers vs. Bucks best bet: Bucks Alt Team Total Under 115.5 (-130)
My Bucks vs. Sixers best bet is on Milwaukee to stay Under its team total of 115.5 points, with the best line currently available at DraftKings. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
76ers vs. Bucks Preview
We're seeing a slight move to the under on the game total, which has ticked down to 226.5 at ESPN Bet. However, not all sportsbooks adjusted their numbers after the game opened at 227.5.
My projected total for this matchup is 223.6 points, and we'd probably still need to adjust that number down slightly, given Antetokounmpo's absence.
Note that the average total this season in games without Antetokounmpo is 224.5, most of which stayed under that number. Moreover, Milwaukee averaged 108.9 points in those games without their power forward.
One reason for avoiding the game total altogether is that the 76ers rank in the top 10 for over-bettors this campaign, posting a 29-21-1 mark.
The Bucks handled the majority of the scoring in both meetings this season, which went over the total, scoring 124 and 123 points, while the 76ers put up 109 points in the two losses.
However, Philadelphia was without its two best players, Joel Embiid and Paul George. Now, with the tables seemingly turned, as the Bucks find themselves without their best player.
Therefore, I think it's only right to expect that the Bucks could find things a bit difficult in this contest.
Milwaukee has lost four of the last five games with Antetokounmpo sidelined, failing to register more than 112 points during that span. Considering all this, this Bucks alternate team total offers an excellent option for attacking this game.
76ers vs. Bucks Prediction
After explaining my reasoning for Milwaukee's alternate team total Under, I'll also look to fade the points + rebounds + assists (PRA) prop of 33.5 for Bucks forward Bobby Portis.
Although Portis has gone over this projection in back-to-back games, this is a perfect time to step in and take a contrarian approach.
Portis has covered this number just six times in 44 games this season, and has yet to exceed it in three straight contests.
Moreover, against the 76ers, he has stayed under this number in his last five meetings.
If the Bucks struggle as a whole, it's entirely possible they turn things over to their bench, which would further reduce the likelihood of Portis going over his PRA line.
Combining his PRA prop with the Bucks' alternate team total would help boost our odds to +182.
Best Bet: Bucks Alternate Team Total Under 115.5 (-130)
Same Game Parlay Picks
- Bucks Team Total Under 114.5
- Bobby Portis Under 33.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Parlay Payout: +174
Bucks vs. 76ers Betting Trends
