The Milwaukee Bucks believed they had found the missing piece last season when they acquired All-Star point guard Damian Lillard just before the start of the 2023-24 season. While Lillard performed well when healthy, injuries sidelined him for several games, and the team struggled to find consistent rhythm.

The Philadelphia 76ers’ pursuit of an NBA Championship with Joel Embiid fell short again last season, largely due to Embiid's recurring health issues. After missing a significant portion of the season with injuries, Embiid returned to help the Sixers secure the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Preview of Bucks vs 76ers AI Predictions

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Bucks Preview 

The Bucks finished the season with a 49-33 record and were eliminated early in the playoffs after former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo missed much of their series loss to the Pacers. Heading into this season, health remains a major concern, with both Lillard and Antetokounmpo nursing injuries, and former All-Star forward Khris Middleton still dealing with a lingering leg injury.

To address their depth issues, which have plagued the team since their 2021 NBA championship, the Bucks brought in key players like Gary Trent, Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright. These additions should bolster the roster. Additionally, they’ll benefit from having Doc Rivers as head coach for the full season, providing continuity that was lacking last year. Rivers emphasized the importance of team cohesion, saying, "To me, it's more about the connection of our team. The better continuity we can have through the year, through training camp, the better."

As they enter the 2024-25 season, the Bucks are eager to see what a full year of Lillard and Giannis on the court together can achieve. Despite missing time due to injuries, the duo managed to each score 30 points in the same game seven times last season.

The Bucks ended last season ranked third in the NBA in scoring, sixth in field goal percentage, and 10th in 3-point shooting. However, their defense lagged, ranking 21st in points allowed and 15th in defensive field goal percentage, though they were strong in defending the three, ranking ninth in 3-point defense.

Milwaukee's pace of play was middling, finishing 13th in the league last season, but this could be attributed to lineup inconsistencies and a mid-season coaching change. With Rivers at the helm for the entire season, it will be interesting to see how he shapes the team’s style and pace.

Key injuries to watch: Forward Khris Middleton, forward Bobby Portis, and center Brook Lopez are all listed as game-time decisions heading into the season opener. 

76ers Preview 

They finished the season with a 47-35 record but were eliminated in a thrilling first-round series against the Knicks. Determined to improve, the Sixers made significant moves in the offseason, adding center Andre Drummond and swingmen Eric Gordon and Caleb Martin.

However, the biggest acquisition was multi-time All-Star Paul George, who now forms an impressive "Big Three" alongside Embiid and point guard Tyrese Maxey, giving head coach Nick Nurse plenty of options.

The lingering question for Philadelphia remains whether Embiid can stay healthy for a deep playoff run. Embiid himself has already indicated he plans to avoid playing back-to-back games, stating, “If I had to guess, I would probably never play back-to-backs the rest of my career.” This approach is designed to preserve his health, but it raises concerns about his availability in crucial stretches of the season.

The addition of Paul George offers Embiid a veteran All-Star partner, but George brings his own injury concerns. Already, George suffered a deep knee bruise during the preseason, leaving his status uncertain for the season opener. 

Last season, the Sixers finished 14th in the NBA in scoring but struggled with shooting efficiency, ranking 24th in field goal percentage and 16th in 3-point shooting. Defensively, however, they were solid, ranking 10th in points allowed per game, 10th in field goal defense, and 8th in 3-point defense. The Sixers also had a below-average pace of play, finishing 18th in the league.

Key Injuries: Both Embiid and George (knee) are expected to miss this game, which could impact the Sixers’ lineup significantly.

How I Use Rithmm Models for of 76ers vs Bucks AI Prediction:

With Rithmm’s AI Picks model you are able to dive deep into just about any trend you can think of, below is just a snap shot of what I pulled for todays game. 

1. Head-to-Head Trends:

• Recent Matchups: The Bucks and 76ers have had competitive games in recent seasons, with both teams winning multiple matchups. Milwaukee has had a slight edge in head-to-head matchups, but the games have often been close.
• Milwaukee Home Advantage: The Bucks have been particularly strong at home in recent years, and Fiserv Forum has been a tough place for visiting teams, including the 76ers.
• Joel Embiid vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Embiid-Giannis matchup is a key trend to watch. In recent games, both stars have posted big numbers when playing against each other, making it a focal point in this rivalry.

2. Recent Performance Trends:

• Bucks Performance: The Bucks are typically strong at home, and after adding Damian Lillard, their offensive potential has improved. Milwaukee has excelled as a home favorite in recent seasons, and the Lillard-Giannis duo could make them even more dangerous.
• 76ers Road Struggles: The 76ers have been inconsistent on the road, particularly against top-tier opponents. While they’ve had solid regular-season performances, their road play tends to dip against strong Eastern Conference teams like Milwaukee.
• Injuries and Health Concerns: Both teams have key players who have dealt with injuries. For the 76ers, Joel Embiid’s health and potential load management remain a concern. For the Bucks, managing Giannis’ workload and integrating Lillard into the lineup will be important.

3. Offensive and Defensive Trends:

• Bucks' Defense: Milwaukee has consistently been one of the top defensive teams in the league, particularly when it comes to protecting the paint. The presence of Giannis and Brook Lopez gives them a strong interior defense, which could neutralize some of the 76ers' inside play.
• 76ers' Defense: Philadelphia has also been solid defensively, especially when healthy. They ranked well in points allowed and field goal defense last season. However, their ability to defend the perimeter and fast-paced offenses like Milwaukee’s, especially with Lillard in the mix, will be tested.
• Pace of Play: The Bucks were more methodical in their offensive sets last season, but with Lillard, they could increase their pace. The 76ers, under new head coach Nick Nurse, may also look to mix things up, especially with their focus on spreading the floor.

4. Against the Spread (ATS) and Over/Under Trends:

• Bucks ATS: Milwaukee has performed well against the spread (ATS) at home, especially when favored by a small margin. They’ve often covered the spread in high-profile matchups like this one.
• 76ers ATS: Philadelphia has been less consistent ATS, particularly on the road. However, they’ve managed to cover the spread in games where they’re considered underdogs in tough matchups.
• Over/Under Trends: Games between these two teams have often hit the "over" due to the offensive firepower on both sides, especially when Giannis and Embiid are both healthy. However, defensive prowess on both teams could also suggest lower-scoring, hard-fought contests depending on the pace of the game.

5. Key Player Trends:

• Damian Lillard Debut: If this is one of Lillard’s first games with the Bucks, watch for how he integrates into the offense. Lillard’s ability to stretch the floor and create his own shot will be a new dynamic for Milwaukee.
• Joel Embiid's Load Management: Embiid has been managing his health carefully, so how much and how effectively he plays could influence the outcome of the game. His head-to-head battle with Giannis will be crucial in determining how this game unfolds.

My Bucks vs 76ers AI Prediction

The Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers are expected to show some defensive  improvements from last season. With the 76ers missing both Joel Embiid and Paul George, the scoring burden falls heavily on Tyrese Maxey, which may be too much to ask.

Meanwhile, Doc Rivers, known for his defensive mindset, has had a full offseason to get Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo more engaged on the defensive end for the Bucks. Given these factors, expect a slower, more methodical pace to start the season. Taking the under seems like a solid play in this matchup. 

Selection: Under 224.5 

If you’re looking for more Rithmms’ AI Picks you can check them out here.

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