What’s up with the Bucks?
The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off a tough 25-point loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, who did not even have Ja Morant on their roster. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 30 points and 11 rebounds but the entire team struggled defensively.
Health has been an issue for the defending champions, with Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday all dealing with minor injuries that caused them to sit out games. Good thing Brook Lopez is back to bolster the Bucks’ banged-up lineup after a long layoff.
What’s up with the Sixers?
The Philadelphia 76ers are also looking to bounce back from a road loss to the league-leading Phoenix Suns. Joel Embiid is still churning out MVP-level performances as he posted a double-double of 37 points and 15 rebounds against the Suns. James Harden had an off night, shooting only 2-for-11 from the field for 14 points.
Having the All-Star tandem of Embiid and Harden at the forefront is a luxury that the Sixers can always capitalize on, but they need more consistency from their other personnel.
Bucks-Sixers matchup
The Bucks and Sixers currently hold identical 46-28 records. The battle for the No. 1 seed in the East has been intense, with the Heat (48-28) holding a slim one-game lead over the Bucks, Sixers, and Celtics (47-29).
Antetokounmpo and Embiid going up against each other is always a fun watch, more so now that the top spot is at stake. The last time they met in mid-February, Antetokoumpo finished with a near triple-double of 32 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, while Embiid steered the Sixers to the win with 42 points and 14 rebounds. Harden, who was not yet with Philly back then, will surely make a difference this time around.
Needless to say, this game close to the end of the regular season is crucial for these teams with MVP candidates on both sides gunning for Eastern supremacy.
