When ESPN chose the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers to open its 2024-25 television schedule Wednesday night, it was expecting a matchup featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Joel Embiid and Paul George.

But now, there'll be less star power.

Embiid and George will miss the game due to injury for the Sixers and Bucks swingman Khris Middleton won't be suiting up for Milwaukee, still recovering from offseason surgery on both ankles.

Without Embiid and George, the Sixers might need a big night from Tyrese Maxey to keep pace with Milwaukee's dynamic duo of Antetokounmpo and Lillard.

Here's how to watch and listen to the game:

Bucks vs 76ers start time

• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 23

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

What channel are Bucks vs 76ers on Wednesday night?

• TV:  ESPN

• Stream: You can stream through the ESPN app or through your television or streaming carrier if they have either network.

• Mike Breen (play-by-play), Doris Burke (analysis), Richard Jefferson (analysis) and Cassidy Hubbarth (reporter) will call the game for ESPN.

How can I listen to the Bucks vs 76ers game on the radio?

• Radio: AM-620 WTMJ in Milwaukee, plus a statewide network of stations.

• Dave Koehn will call the game.

Bucks vs. 76ers betting odds

Odds courtesy of Bet MGM as of Wednesday.

• Odds: Bucks by 3.5

• Over/under: 223.5 points

• Moneyline: Bucks -175, 76ers +145

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Watch Bucks vs. 76ers game tonight: Channel, time, TV, streaming, odds