The Sixers looked good without Embiid against the Spurs, but the Bucks present a difficult puzzle for them without their main defensive presence in the paint.
Pick:
Milwaukee Bucks def. Philadelphia 76ers ()
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How to Watch Milwaukee Bucks vs Philadelphia 76ers
| Milwaukee Bucks vs Philadelphia 76ers Information |
| What |
Milwaukee Bucks vs Philadelphia 76ers |
| Where |
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelpiha, Pennsylvania |
| When |
7:00 PM EST, March 17th, 2021 |
| How to Watch |
ESPN |
Head-to-Head: Milwaukee Bucks vs Philadelphia 76ers
| Milwaukee Bucks |
Head-to-Head |
Philadelphia 76ers |
| Mike Budenholzer |
Head Coach |
Doc Rivers |
| 25-14 (3rd in East) |
Standing |
27-12 (1st in East) |
| W-W-W-W |
Form |
W-W-W-W |
| 117.6 (4th of 30) |
Off Rtg |
113.9 (12th of 30) |
| 110.6 (10th of 30) |
Def Rtg |
108.6 (2nd of 30) |
| 101.8 (4th of 30) |
Pace |
100.9 (7th of 30) |
|
Leaders (Per Game)
|
| G. Antetokounmpo (29.0) |
PPG |
J. Embiid (29.9) |
| G. Antetokounmpo (11.7) |
RPG |
J. Embiid (11.5) |
| G. Antetokounmpo (6.2) |
APG |
B. Simmons (7.7) |
| J. Holiday (1.8) |
SPG |
B. Simmons, M. Thybulle (1.6) |
| B. Lopez (1.5) |
BPG |
J. Embiid (1.4) |
| T. Antetokounmpo (.596)/G. Antetokounmpo (10.5) |
FG%/FGM |
T. Bradley (.642)/J. Embiid (9.5) |
| S. Merrill, J. Nwora (.500)/B. Forbes, K. Middleton (2.2) |
3P%/3PM |
S. Curry (.436)/D. Green (2.3) |
MIL: Maintain Your Standards
The Milwaukee Bucks are one a four-game winning streak, with tremendous performances put in by different players in every game. In those four wins, only one team has been over .500. They need to maintain their standards with a step up in competition.
While the Sixers will be missing Joel Embiid, the Bucks need to be sure to contain the more rounded threat of the Sixers with him off the court. In their last victory, the Sixers assisted on 62.5% of their made field-goals.
Milwaukee have had an easy out in their last four, so they’ll need to focus and track the ball against the Sixers. Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton will be the first resistance at the point of attack.
Editor’s Picks
PHI: Close Out on Shooters
It is no secret what the Milwaukee Bucks want to do, it is push the ball in transition while finding open shooters in the half-court. Philly did well defending that against the Spurs, but will have a step up in competition against the Bucks.
In their last game, the Sixers were able to hold the Spurs to four of 21 shooting from the three-point line. Without Embiid in the lineup, head coach Doc Rivers went for a more fluid defensive unit that can close out and recover on shooters quickly.
The Bucks are fifth in the league in three-pointers per game and fourth in three-point percentage. Limiting that quality shooting and distribution will not only be up to the guards, but for big men like Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis who will be targeted defensively.
Bucks Key Player: (F) Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Sixers are vulnerable without their star and there is no better time for Giannis Antetokounmpo to capitalize than right now. He is playing fantastic basketball and can pull his team within one game of first place in the Eastern Conference.
In his last game against the Washington Wizards, Antetokounmpo reminded many of his MVP-calibre. He posted 31 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals in only 36 minutes of play. He’s also shooting 64% from the field, and 57.1% from three over his last three games, while averaging a triple-double.
Antetokounmpo may be in the form of his life. The Sixers will pack the paint, but if he can keep them honest with his jumper and make plays for teammates, the Greek Freak looks set for another explosive performance.
Sixers Key Player: (G) Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons flourished in his last match against the San Antonio Spurs. While criticism over his partnership with Embiid is common, it isn’t representative of his success without the other on the court.
The Australian international posted 14 points, nine assists, and four rebounds in just 26 minutes of play in the Sixers’ victory over the Spurs. Simmons’ willingness to push the pace and attack the paint creates endless opportunities for his teammates.
Simmons will also be burdened on the defensive end as he is the most suitable matchup for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. While he certainly won’t be able to contain Antetokounmpo entirely, limiting his rim-attacks is priority number one.
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