The Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards meet Wednesday to kick off their 2026-27 NBA seasons. Tip from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let's analyze NBA odds around the Bucks vs. Wizards odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2025-26 season series: Wizards won 3-1, including both games at home
The Bucks made one of the biggest trades of the offseason, sending 2-time MVP F Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat and returning G Tyler Herro, C Kel'el Ware, F Jamie Jaquez Jr. and a slew of picks. Milwaukee finished 32-50 a season ago and missed the playoffs. Expectations won't be too high under coach Taylor Jenkins, who was named the 19th head coach in franchise history on April 30.
The
Wizards enter this season with a more exciting roster than the nation's capital has seen in quite some time. They were 17-65 a season ago, which allowed them to snag No. 1 overall pick F AJ Dybantsa from the BYU Cougars. On top of the star rookie, who will miss the opener with an ankle sprain, the Wizards re-signed G Trae Young and acquired F Anthony Davis, 2 stars that should provide ample offensive firepower. The injury bug will be something to keep an eye on, but it looks like the Wizards' veterans will be in good shape to start the 2026-27 season.
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Bucks at Wizards odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:54 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Bucks +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Wizards -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bucks +4.5 (-110) | Wizards -4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 238.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Bucks at Wizards key injuries
Bucks
- F Nate Ament (sprain) probable
Wizards
- F AJ Dybantsa (ankle) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Bucks at Wizards picks and predictions
Prediction
Wizards 124, Bucks 118
Moneyline
PASS.
The Wizards (-185) should be able to win with ease at home to open the season, but they are too expensive to take to win outright.
Against the spread
BET WIZARDS -4.5 (-110).
The Wizards have everything going for them. They will be at home, which should help as it is expected to be a rocking crowd. Davis and Young have been in the league long enough and were with Washington at the tail end of last season, which should help them understand the system, something the Bucks' newest arrivals cannot say.
The Bucks just won't have the firepower to keep up. Herro, who will be Milwaukee's best player, saw his scoring drop to 20.5 points per game a season ago, playing just 33 of the 82 outings. Milwaukee has too many moving pieces to mesh early and was just 2-3 in preseason action, with all 3 losses coming by at least 15 points.
Over/Under
BET OVER 239.5 (-110).
Neither team really played much defense at all last season. The Wizards ranked last in the NBA in defensive rating, and having Young on the court won't help their cause there. Milwaukee sat 26th to round out last season, and it didn't add anything to strengthen that side of the court. Additionally, the Wizards ranked sixth last season in pace, so they will want to push the tempo. Expect ample scoring and take OVER 238.5 (-110).
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Milwaukee Bucks at Washington Wizards odds, picks and predictions
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