2023 NBA bets, lines and stats for Bucks-76ers, Lakers-Suns

When it comes to Thursday night’s NBA games, the absence of key players in the backcourt adds an interesting twist. James Harden (personal), Devin Booker (doubtful, foot), and Bradley Beal (doubtful, back) won’t be taking the court. So, how does this impact the betting odds for tonight? Let’s take a closer look.

Exciting Bets for Thursday Night

Bucks -6 over 76ers (-110) It’s interesting to see how the Bucks and 76ers have diverged in their offseason trajectories. The Bucks made a splash by acquiring Damian Lillard, despite expectations of him joining the Miami Heat, and securing Giannis Antetokounmpo with a super max extension. On the other hand, the 76ers have been plagued by the drama surrounding James Harden, which has overshadowed their preparations for the season. Even without Harden, the 76ers possess talent, but the Bucks’ potent offense, as predicted by the Basketball Power Index (BPI), and their positive momentum make them the favorites to cover the spread in their home opener.

Tyrese Maxey over 26.5 total points + assists. With Harden out, Maxey will assume a larger role on offense. If Patrick Beverley and P.J. Tucker start, the 76ers’ first unit will have two defensive players, thereby focusing the offensive production on Joel Embiid, Maxey, and Tobias Harris. Maxey averaged over 20 points per game last season and is expected to become an even better scorer this season. Additionally, Beverley is not known for his playmaking abilities, so Maxey will have to step up as a facilitator. In his last preseason game, Maxey recorded 11 assists while starting alongside Beverley. Furthermore, the Bucks traded their best perimeter defender, Jrue Holiday, and neither Damian Lillard nor Malik Beasley are known for their defensive prowess, which bodes well for Maxey’s offensive potential.

Lakers -5.5 over Suns (-110). As both Booker and Beal are expected to sit, the Lakers hold a significant advantage over the Suns. If both players are absent, the Suns’ starting lineup will likely consist of Jordan Goodwin, Grayson Allen, Josh Okogie, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic. The Lakers’ dominant presence in the paint, with Anthony Davis and LeBron James, will prove too difficult for the Nurkic-led frontline to handle. The BPI game predictor also favors the Lakers, giving them a higher chance of winning (64.7%) compared to the Bucks defeating the 76ers (63.9%).

Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks
7:30 p.m. ET, Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee

Line: Bucks (-6)
Money Line: 76ers (+180), Bucks (-220)
Total: 226.5 points
BPI Projection: Bucks (63.9%)

Injury Report:
76ers: James Harden (OFS – Not Injury Related)
Bucks: None reported
Note: BPI numbers account for confirmed absences but assume players listed as ‘game-time decision’ will play

Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers
10 p.m. ET, Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles

Records (Against the Spread)
Suns: 1-0 (1-0-0)
Lakers: 0-1 (0-1-0)

Line: Lakers (-5.5)
Money Line: Suns (+185), Lakers (-225)
Total: 225 points
BPI Projection: Lakers (64.7%)

Injury Report:
Suns: Bradley Beal (GTD – Back); Devin Booker (GTD – Foot); Damion Lee (OUT – Knee)
Lakers: Cam Reddish (GTD – Foot); Jarred Vanderbilt (OUT – Heel); Jalen Hood-Schifino (OUT – Knee)
Note: BPI numbers account for confirmed absences but assume players listed as ‘game-time decision’ will play