Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks odds and best bets

Hopefully you followed on the Toronto winner last night against Minnesota. As expected, the Timberwolves tired late, and Toronto got the win. Both are teams to follow in the second half. There is a lot to like on both sides.

Philadelphia and Milwaukee are also going to be teams to follow in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia made the big trade for James Harden, but he has still yet to suit up for the 76ers. Until he does, it is hard to know what the 76ers really have, but that Joel Embiid guy is pretty good. Philly is going to be looking to head into the All-Star break on a positive after getting whipped by Boston in the last game. When these teams met earlier in the season, Embiid didn't play, and the 76ers lost.

Milwaukee did not swing for the fences at the deadline. Instead, the Bucks made a depth move, acquiring big man Serge Ibaka. He has played in a couple of games and looks like what they need, a reserve big who can make a shot and play some defense. They sacrificed some wing depth to get him, but with Pat Connaughton expected back next month, they should be able to manage just fine. Now that the dust has settled, I think Milwaukee is the team in the best situation to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. Again. 

Game Info

Philadelphia 76ers (34-23) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (36-23)
Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022
Fiserv Forum
8:30 p.m. ET
TNT

Betting Odds

Spread: 76ers +6.5 (-110), Bucks -6.5 (-110)
Total: 224
Moneyline: 76ers +225, Bucks -275

Best Bet

Milwaukee -6.5

With Embiid playing tonight, that is a huge difference from the last time these teams got together. This could also be a buy-low opportunity on Philly given how bad the Sixers looked against Boston (which also just lost to Detroit last night, by the way). Even with those factors, I am still leaning toward the Bucks tonight at home.

Milwaukee has Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the 76ers do not have the personnel to defend him well. Milwaukee will have its problems with Embiid — everyone does — but if those guys play to a draw in terms of impact, the Bucks have a lot more going for them with the likes of Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday. With the All-Star break coming, there is no reason to do anything more than try and win the game and make a statement to a rival in doing so. There is no reason to manage minutes.

This is a bit of a buy-low spot on the Bucks too, as they have lost two of their last three and not covered in any of them. The number is coming down so waiting until tipoff might offer the best value. 

Prop to Consider

Khris Middleton to Score 20+ Points (+114)

Middleton did not play the last time these teams connected, but in his absence Grayson Allen scored 25 points, second on the team. He is out of action tonight.

I like this number because we get a really nice bump in the payoff for a small increase in production. Middleton's O/U on points for the game is 18.5, but you are only getting -110 there.

Middleton is one of the most consistent players in the game and is averaging over 19 points per game on the season. Twice in his last four games he has scored 21, which would cash this ticket, and we can make money on this one even winning just 50% of the time because there is no premium. I expect the Bucks to be very sharp tonight, and he can ride that wave.