Philadelphia 76ers vs Milwaukee Bucks 24 October 2026 Prediction

Philadelphia has opened the 2026-27 season with wins over two Eastern Conference contenders, beating New York 106-100 and Cleveland 114-106. Next up is Milwaukee, which lost its opener to Washington 128-116 and faces Chicago the day before this game. Can the 76ers make it three straight wins?

Philadelphia Opens With Two Wins Against East Contenders

Nick Nurse’s team erased a 29-point deficit against Cleveland for a 114-106 win, the largest comeback in franchise history since advanced statistics became available. Philadelphia outscored Cleveland 60-37 in the second half. Maxey scored 32 points, LeBron James recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Embiid led the team late.

“You don’t want to rely on comebacks like that all the time. It’s good to know we’re not a team that gives up. You never want to look around and see guys hanging their heads. But you don’t want to put yourself in those situations too often,” James said.

Philadelphia has responded well to adversity in its first two games. When its outside shots are not falling, the team pressures opponents on defense. Maxey and Edgecombe disrupt possessions and create transition opportunities, which could cause problems for Milwaukee.

Philadelphia Predicted Lineup: Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown, James, Embiid

Out: Barlow and Hukporti (injuries)

Manager: Nick Nurse

Milwaukee Struggles in the Fourth Quarter

Milwaukee has had trouble against physical defense and pressure in the paint, both in the preseason and its regular-season opener. Taylor Jenkins’ team led Washington entering the fourth quarter but lost 128-116. As Washington attacked the paint, the Bucks gave up a 21-2 run and could not recover.

Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. combined for 46 points in the opener, with Milwaukee relying heavily on their individual offense. Turner struggled, and the supporting cast has limited experience against a team as cohesive as Philadelphia. Playing Chicago the day before this matchup adds another challenge.

Milwaukee Predicted Lineup: Rollins, Herro, Jaquez Jr., Kuzma, Turner

Out: None

Manager: Taylor Jenkins

Philadelphia Won All Four Meetings Last Season

Philadelphia beat Milwaukee four times in the 2025-26 regular season: 123-114, 116-101, 139-122 and 126-106. Giannis missed all four games for the Bucks.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers Handicap -10.5

Main prediction: Philadelphia enters with wins over New York and Cleveland, plus an extra day of rest. Milwaukee’s roster concerns carried over from the preseason into its loss to Washington, when its defense struggled and the bench offered little support. The Bucks also play Chicago on Saturday. The pick is Philadelphia 76ers -10.5.

Team total prediction: Philadelphia held both New York and Cleveland to 106 points or fewer. Milwaukee’s offense leaned heavily on Herro in its opener, and he will be playing on consecutive days. The secondary pick is Milwaukee Bucks team total under 110.5 points.