76ers Look to Bounce Back Against the Bucks

Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers (34-23) take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks (36-23) at 8:30PM tonight. This will be the second meeting of the year between the squads with the Bucks winning the earlier matchup 118-109. The Sixers played without Joel Embiid and still managed to lead the Bucks going into the fourth quarter. 

The Sixers are coming into tonight’s matchup after a complete embarrassment against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, losing 135-87. The Sixers were 3-1 in their last 4 games before meeting the Celtics. The Sixers were outplayed, outcoached, and outhustled. Hopefully, that performance has been buried and forgotten. The Sixers will be without Jaden Springer (knee) and James Harden (hamstring recovery).

The Bucks come into tonight’s matchup after Antetokounmpo’s 50 points powered them to a win against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. The Bucks come in 2-2 in their last four and are dealing with some lineup inconsistency due to injuries. Wesley Matthews (right toe) is probable and Grayson Allen (left hip) is doubtful for tonight. Pat Connaughton (right hand), George Hill (neck), and Brook Lopez (back) are all out.

Take a look at what to watch for during this matchup:

Battle for the MVP

Joel Embiid has been in the thick of the MVP race and battling for the number one spot with Denver’s Nikola Jokic. Climbing up the ladder quietly has been Giannis Antetokounmpo, who in the most recent rankings climbed to third on the list. When these two play, it is usually the clash of the titans and I expect both players to try to do everything possible to will their teams to victory.

Harris is bouncing back

Tobias Harris has picked up his play in recent weeks. In the last two games, however, he has reverted back to his early-season play. Harris scored 11 points against the Cavs and 6 points against the Celtics. With James Harden not yet in the lineup, Harris needs to continue to be the second most consistent scorer on the team. Scoring 17 points combined in two games is not acceptable for Harris. Harris will need to produce tonight in order for the Sixers to have a chance.

Winning in Milwaukee

In the recent history of this matchup, the Sixers have struggled winning in Milwaukee. Their last win came on March 17th, 2019. The Sixers have also lost 6 straight games to the Bucks and need to get a win to establish themselves as one of the contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Betting lines:
Spread: 76ers +6.5
Total: 223.5
Moneyline 76ers + 205

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You can catch tonight’s action at 8:30PM on TNT and 97.5 The Fanatic.