The Milwaukee Bucks kick off the 2024-25 regular season tonight in Philadelphia, facing the 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. At halftime, the Bucks are leading 58-47.
Damian Lillard has contributed 15 points on 5 of 12 shooting, while Bobby Portis Jr. added 13 points coming off the bench to lead Milwaukee. Giannis Antetokounmpo has also made an impact with 11 points and eight rebounds. On the Philadelphia side, guard Tyrese Maxey scored 16 points but on 19 shot attempts.
The 76ers initially took a 23-22 lead after the first quarter with a buzzer-beating layup from Maxey.
The game will be aired nationally on ESPN, featuring a broadcast team that includes Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Richard Jefferson, and Cassidy Hubbarth.
Injury updates indicate that Giannis Antetokounmpo is probable to play despite being on the opening injury report due to tendinitis in his right knee. Head coach Doc Rivers mentioned that Giannis has participated fully in practice during training camp, easing concerns about his condition.
Khris Middleton has been ruled out for the season opener, having not yet engaged in any five-on-five practices. With the Bucks set to play four games across six days starting Wednesday, it may be challenging for Middleton to return to action soon.
For the 76ers, both MVP center Joel Embiid and newly signed all-star Paul George will not play in the game. Embiid is managing a knee issue that arose post-Olympics, and George is sidelined due to a knee injury from a preseason game. Embiid had previously stated he won’t participate in back-to-back games this season and has been ruled out for the first three games, raising questions about player participation policies.
Injury reports for the teams show:
Bucks:
– Khris Middleton: Out (surgeries on both ankles)
– Giannis Antetokounmpo: Probable (right patella tendinitis)
76ers:
– Joel Embiid: Out (left knee injury management)
– Paul George: Out (left knee bone bruise)
The Bucks’ starting lineup includes:
– Guards: Damian Lillard, Gary Trent
– Forwards: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Taurean Prince
– Center: Brook Lopez
According to Bet MGM, the Bucks are favored by 3.5 points, with an over/under set at 223.5 points.