The Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks meet Thursday in NBA action at the Fiserv Forum. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Philadelphia 76ers Betting Preview 

The Philadelphia 76ers won 54 games last season but fell short in the playoffs, so they now begin the Nick Nurse era. Outside of the coaching change, the 76ers didn’t make any splashy moves as they clearly believe in the core of Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid. The addition of Patrick Beverley brings toughness and defense off the bench, and Mo Bamba could be useful in a backup big man role. The recent signing of Kelly Oubre Jr. is a nice under the radar move. The elephant in the room is James Harden, who has demanded yet another trade, but for the moment isn’t getting his wish granted. That’s something to watch. The 76ers are contenders in the East, but things could go south quickly if they don’t play their cards right.

Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview 

The Milwaukee Bucks have made the playoffs seven straight years, which includes a title, and they now begin the Adrian Griffin era. The Bucks made a massive splash recently with the addition of point guard Damian Lillard, and they shipped out Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen. Dame and Giannis Antetokounmpo could be the best 1-2 punch in the league. Brook Lopez is still a quality two-way center, and the health of Khris Middleton would go a long way as well. Middleton played in just 33 regular season games last year. The Bucks are going for it again, and the trade has made them the betting favorite to win the title. It should be a fun season for the Bucks as they look for their second championship in the last 4 years.

Randy’s Pick

It may take some time for the Milwaukee Bucks to rally get rolling with the roster changes, but they’re at home, they’re loaded with guys who can take over, and they don’t have a single player on the injury report. The Philadelphia 76ers are dealing with the Harden nonsense where he was told not to even travel with the team. That’s not only a distraction, but it removes one of the 76ers best players. Hard to compete with the Bucks when you’re not at full strength, especially on the road. Give me the Bucks and the reasonable number.