Sixers Face Bucks in Pivotal Eastern Conference Game

The Philadelphia 76ers currently sit a half-game ahead of the Indiana Pacers for the third seed in the Eastern Conference heading into Sunday afternoon’s game against the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks.

The two teams squared off earlier this season, but MUCH has changed since the game in late October. Three members of the Sixers’ starting five have since been shipped off (Robert Covington, Dario Saric, Markelle Fultz), and the Bucks did their due diligence to add Nikola Mirotic to their already solid roster. On the flip side for the Bucks, they just received the tough news that guard Malcolm Brogdon will miss six-to-eight weeks with a minor plantar fascia tear in his right foot, a time frame which will extend into the playoffs.

Joel Embiid dominated the last time the Sixers faced off against Milwaukee (albeit in a 123-108 loss), going for 30 points and 19 rebounds. JJ Redick came off the bench in that game for 19 points and a season-high six assists. The Sixers got Giannis’d as the Freak went off for a triple-double consisting of 32 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists (along with two steals and three blocks).

This will be an interesting measuring stick game for both teams really. The Bucks are done playing against all top-tier Eastern Conference opponents, except for the Sixers. They have already completed all four regular season games against the second-seed Toronto Raptors (going 3-1), they’ve finished their season series with the Indiana Pacers (going 3-1), AND they are done with their regular season contests against the Boston Celtics (2-1).

This is the second meeting of the season between these two teams, but they will face each other twice within three weeks as the regular season comes to a close. The Bucks sit three games ahead of the Raptors and control their own fate in the Eastern Conference standings, so this is a big game for both squads.

Game Info

Who: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks

When: 3:30 pm EST

Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Watch: ABC; NBC Sports Philadelphia

Listen: 97.5 the Fanatic

Follow: @Liberty_Ballers