The Milwaukee Bucks (27-4) will try to extend their eight-game road winning streak in a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers (22-10) at Wells Fargo Center. The game is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 25, 2019.
Milwaukee is a 2-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 222 points.
Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers Free Prediction
The Bucks will be hoping for a similar outcome after easily covering the 8.5-point spread against the Indiana Pacers in their last matchup, 117-89. The total points for the game (206) were under the O/U total of 220. The Bucks knocked down 14 of their 17 free throws (82.4 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.6 (above their season average of 21.6). Giannis Antetokounmpo was a key piece for Milwaukee with 18 points, 19 rebounds and nine assists.
The last time the 76ers played, they defeated the Detroit Pistons, 125-109, easily covering as 6.5-point favorites. The combined points for the game (234) were well over the projected point total of 215.5. The 76ers, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.5, had a ridiculous mark of 41.5 and had a turnover percentage of 10.7 (better than their season average of 13.6). With 16 points, 17 assists and 13 rebounds, Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons led the way with his first triple-double of the year.
After the Bucks won two out of three games against the 76ers last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Milwaukee won 128-122. The Bucks knocked down 32 of their 43 free throws (74.4 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (17.0 vs. 8.7).
Milwaukee holds records of 27-4 straight up (SU) and 18-13 against the spread (ATS). Of the Bucks’ 31 games, 16 have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia owns records of 22-10 SU and 15-14-3 ATS. Of the 76ers’ 32 games, 16 have finished over the projected point total.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the NBA’s top rebounding teams face off. The 76ers are among the NBA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking fifth in offensive rebounding percentage at 24.1 percent. Meanwhile, Milwaukee ranks second in the NBA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 80.8 percent. Conflicting tempos will be on display in this meeting. The up-tempo Bucks rank fourth in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented 76ers rank 21st.
Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers Odds Pick
Free Pick: ATS Winner – Bucks, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Milwaukee is 8-6 ATS with 7 overs and 7 unders.
At home, Philadelphia is 8-7-2 ATS with 8 overs, 8 unders and 1 push.
Philadelphia is 10-0 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Milwaukee is 7-0.
When scoring over 100 points, the 76ers are 19-5 and the Bucks are 27-4.
Philadelphia ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (27.3) while Milwaukee ranks 29th (38.2).
The 76ers rank first in rebounds allowed per game (39.9) while the Bucks rank 20th (46.0).
Philadelphia ranks second in assists allowed per game (21.3) while Milwaukee ranks 18th (24.3).
The Bucks rank fifth in second chance points per game (14.5) while the 76ers rank 20th (12.7).
Milwaukee ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (6.7) while Philadelphia ranks 17th (7.9).
The Bucks rank first in points allowed in the paint per game (39.0) while the 76ers rank 12th (46.9).
Milwaukee ranks second in fast break points per game (19.1) while Philadelphia ranks 12th (13.8).
The Bucks rank seventh in points off turnovers per game (18.3) while the 76ers rank 16th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.2).
Philadelphia ranks third in blocks allowed per game (3.9) while Milwaukee ranks eighth (4.5).
In its last five outings, Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Philadelphia is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over its last five games.
The Bucks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.8, up from 13.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 108.2 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 110.2 points per game (5.3 above their season average).