76ers @ Bucks

Who will WIN this matchup?

Philadelphia 76ers (2-2)

@ Milwaukee Bucks (3-0)

Current odds:

Philadelphia 76ers: (+210)

Milwaukee Bucks: (-250)

• The line for this game is Bucks by 6 points.

• The Milwaukee Bucks are seeking their first 4-0 start since the 2001-02 campaign when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. Milwaukee has thrived under first-year coach Mike Budenholzer as it is averaging 118.3 points during the strong start. Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo says he isn’t yet comfortable with Budenholzer’s offensive style, but he is off to a superb start by averaging 27.3 points, 16 rebounds and 5.7 assists. “It’s the third game of the season, new coach, new game plan,” Antetokounmpo told reporters after Monday’s 124-113 victory over New York. “I’m just trying to figure it out, and I will. When I do, it’s going to be so easy. I’ll be a beast out there.”

• Philadelphia will attempt to bounce back from Tuesday’s 133-132 overtime loss to Detroit, a contest in which it allowed Blake Griffin to score a career-best 50 points. Point guard Ben Simmons (back) sat out the game and his availability will be determined prior to Wednesday’s contest.

• Simmons exited Saturday’s victory over Orlando in the first half, and his back didn’t respond well enough to treatments for him to play against Detroit. Asked by reporters if he will return to face the Bucks, Simmons said, “There’s no point in rushing. It’s only the fourth game. Let’s just see how it feels.” Center Joel Embiid (33 points, 11 rebounds) missed a potential winning shot at the buzzer Tuesday while shooting guard JJ Redick (30 points) has reached the 30-point mark in back-to-back games, going 14-for-28 from 3-point range during that stretch.

• Antetokounmpo isn’t the only player off to a torrid start as swingman Khris Middleton is averaging 24 points and is a scorching-hot 15-for-23 from 3-point range. The 6-8 Middleton was 7-for-8 from 3-point range – and 11-for-14 overall – while scoring 30 points against the Knicks, and Budenholzer feels he can develop into one of the NBA’s top 3-point shooters. “We feel like he puts a lot of work and time into his craft,” Budenholzer told reporters. “We’re going to create great opportunities for everybody, including Khris. And he’s done it before.”

• The teams split last season’s four meetings, with the home team winning each time.

• Philadelphia rookie G Landry Shamet made his first career start in place of Simmons and recorded five points in 24 minutes.

• Milwaukee PG Eric Bledsoe registered 13 assists against the Knicks, three shy of his career best.