Offense meets defense when the Milwaukee Bucks (47-8) welcome the Philadelphia 76ers (35-21) to Fiserv Forum. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 22, 2020.
Milwaukee opened as an 8.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 226.5 points at DraftKings Indiana Sportsbook.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Prediction
The last time the 76ers played, they beat the Brooklyn Nets, 112-104, resulting in a push. The game’s combined points (216) finished just under the O/U total of 217.5. The 76ers knocked down 32 of their 35 free throws (91.4 percent) and held the Nets to an effective field goal percentage of 0.402 (below their season average of 0.516). Philadelphia was lifted by Joel Embiid, who was the game’s leading scorer with 39 points on 10-for-20 shooting.
The Bucks easily got past the Detroit Pistons in their last contest, 126-106, covering as 13-point favorites. The game’s combined points (232) finished over the O/U total of 227. Milwaukee’s 6.3 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Detroit, who had a rate of 18.9. The Bucks’ mark was better than their season average of 12.3, while the Pistons’ was above their season average of 13.3. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the game’s leading scorer with 33 points on 13-for-23 shooting from the field.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the productive offense of Milwaukee takes on the top-notch defense of Philadelphia. The Bucks rank second in offensive efficiency, while the 76ers are third in defensive efficiency.
Philadelphia has a respectable 35-21 straight up (SU) record, but they have a hard time covering the spread (24-28-4 against the spread (ATS)). Of the 76ers’ 56 games, 28 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee is 47-8 SU and 32-23 ATS. A little over half of Bucks games have also finished over the total.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Bucks won the most recent matchup 112-101, covering as 11-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 213 points, which was 10 points below the projected point total of 223 points. The Bucks had a better free throw rate (0.128 vs. 0.081) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.532 vs. 0.470). Antetokounmpo recorded a double-double with 36 points and 20 rebounds.
76ers at Bucks Free Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Bucks, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Philadelphia is 9-18-1 ATS with 14 overs, 13 unders and 1 push.
Milwaukee is 16-12 ATS at home with 15 overs and 13 unders.
Both teams are strong when keeping the opposition to under 100 points, as Milwaukee is 12-0 and Philadelphia is 14-1.
When scoring above 100 points, the 76ers are 31-10 and the Bucks are 47-8.
Philadelphia ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (28.7) while Milwaukee ranks 29th (38.8).
The 76ers rank second in rebounds allowed per game (42.0) while the Bucks rank 20th (46.0).
Milwaukee averages 18.8 fast break points per game, which ranks second in the league. Philadelphia ranks 19th in fast break points allowed per game (13.6).
The Bucks rank third in points in the paint per game (50.9) while the 76ers rank 18th (47.5).
Philadelphia ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.8) while Milwaukee ranks 10th (4.6).
The 76ers rank third in assists allowed per game (22.2) while the Bucks rank 11th (24.0).
Philadelphia ranks ninth in steals per game (8.2) while Milwaukee ranks 12th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
The Bucks average 17.0 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. The 76ers rank 12th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.5).
Milwaukee is second in the NBA with 11.4 second chance points allowed per game while Philadelphia is third with 11.6 second chance points allowed per game.
Over its last five contests, Philadelphia is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The 76ers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.6, up from 2.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bucks have scored an average of 116.6 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 106.2 points per game (1.3 below their season average).