A pair of Eastern Conference contenders open the 2024-25 regular season on Wednesday night. 

The Milwaukee Bucks — last season’s No. 3 seed — will be without Khris Middleton (ankles) on Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers and Tyrese Maxey.

Paul George (knee) and Joel Embiid (knee) both have been ruled out for this game for Philly, a bad omen since both need to be healthy for the Sixers to compete for a title this season.

Outside of adding George, the Sixers had a busy offseason. They extended Tyrese Maxey’s deal, re-signed Kelly Oubre and added Andre Drummond and Caleb Martin. 

Milwaukee also added to its roster, signing Gary Trent Jr. (one of the best signings of the offseason), Taurean Prince and Delon Wright. 

Still, Milwaukee and Philly both need their stars to be healthy if they want to compete for a title. Both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid were banged up at key moments of the 2023-24 season.

As for Wednesday’s season opener, how should we bet on it? 

Here’s a breakdown of the odds, key players to watch and my prediction for this Eastern Conference clash. 

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Spread

Moneyline

Total

Bucks Injury Report

76ers Injury Report

Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard: In his first season in Milwaukee, Lillard shot just 42.4 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from beyond the arc. He still averaged 24.3 points per game, but the Bucks are hoping he’ll be even better in his second season alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. With Middleton out, the Bucks will need more scoring from both Lillard and Giannis to open the season. 

Philadelphia 76ers

Tyrese Maxey: The Most Improved Player in the NBA last season, Maxey was rewarded with a max extension in the offseason. After averaging 25.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game last season, Maxey will look to build on that as the glue between Paul George and Joel Embiid on a Philly team that has title aspirations. 

With George and Embiid both up out for this matchup, I’ll gladly bet on the Bucks – even without Middleton – on Wednesday. 

Milwaukee played a large chunk of the 2023-24 season without Middleton – or with the star forward on a minutes restriction – and it still found a way to win 49 games.

While the Sixers added a ton of talent this offseason, they are a smaller team on the wing with George, Caleb Martin and Kelly Oubre Jr. likely operating as their power forward options.

That’s a problem when it comes to defending Giannis, and I love the additions from the Bucks in Prince and Trent Jr. who are two impressive 3-and-D wings. Getting Trent for the minimum may have been the best value of the offseason. 

Philly may end up with a better record than the Bucks this season, but I think opening night could be a chance for Lillard, Giannis to make a statement against a shorthanded Philly squad.

Pick: Bucks -3.5 (-110)

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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Find Peter Dewey’s NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on  BetStamp here.