Fair to say we didn't see this coming. Having tipped the 76ers to win the game straight up, we, nor the sportsbooks saw the Bucks winning at odds of 2.25.
Neither did the sportsbooks see such a tight game with the Over/Under set at around 223.5, so an Under (223.5) at odds of around 1.95 would have been a right touch. In fact on the alternative Over/Under market a smart bettor could have got odds of 8.00 on Under (198.5) and still won their bet at an absolute amble.
Naturally the Bucks beat the line (+4). And again, Mr Smartiepants could have returned odds of 2.59 had they backed the Bucks (-1.5).
Milwaukee Bucks (90) at Philadelphia 76ers (88)
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Wesley Matthews hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 23.8 seconds left, and Giannis Antetokounmpo had 21 points and 13 rebounds to lead Milwaukee over Philadelphia.
Brook Lopez scored 17 points as the Bucks, who went 0-5 in the preseason, won their season opener after Matthews surprised the Sixers on the long 3. James Harden, who scored 31 and rallied the Sixers in the fourth, missed a jumper that could have won the game.
The 76ers lost their opener Tuesday night in Boston and had another weak defensive effort that had the Philly crowd booing them off the court in the third quarter.
Joel Embiid had 15 points and 12 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey added 15 points for the Sixers.
By Associated Press sports writers | 10/21/22
