© Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
GAME DAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks return home after a dismal road trip, face the Philadelphia Sixers
The Milwaukee Bucks try to restore order after an unproductive road trip as they face a Philadelphia 76ers team that has been struggling without their main man.
The two squads clash on Thursday night with both trying to get back into the win column after faltering in their last assignments on Tuesday. Milwaukee suffered a 94-129 loss to the Sacramento Kings, while Philadelphia endured its own lopsided defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks, 79-106.
The Bucks are coming off an unproductive four-game California trip, where they went 1-3, including two 35-point losses. The lone win was against a Paul George and Kawhi Leonard-less Los Angeles Clippers, 124-117.
Milwaukee will come into the match tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second and third spots in the Eastern Conference with identical 42-24 records. Philadelphia is in sixth spot with a 36-29 record.
Bucks eyeing a season sweep
The two squads have already met twice this season, with the Bucks winning both matches. Milwaukee edged out Philadelphia in its first meeting on October 26th, 118-117, with Damian Lillard erupting for 39 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo tallying 23 points and 12 rebounds. Joel Embiid recorded 24 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in the loss.
The Bucks routed the Embiid-less Sixers in their second meeting on February 25th, 119-98, in a match that marked the return of coach Doc Rivers to Philadelphia. Giannis dominated in the win after tallying 30 points, 12 boards, and nine assists.
Philadelphia has struggled to pick up wins since Embiid went down with a knee injury in a 107-119 loss to the Golden State Warriors on January 30th. The Sixers have gone 6-9 since Embiid was ruled out for the season and have lost four of their last five games.
Injury report
Khris Middleton will miss his 16th straight game due to a sprained ankle. Patrick Beverley (right hip soreness) is listed as probable, while Malik Beasley (back spasms) and MarJon Beauchamp (back spasms) are listed as questionable.
Out for the Sixers are Embiid, Robert Covington (knee), and De’Anthony Melton (back).
