The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Milwaukee Bucks in a significant Eastern Conference matchup on Friday at 8 p.m. EST in Milwaukee. With the 76ers currently sitting at a record of 12-9, they find themselves in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, while the Bucks, at 10-13, are in tenth place.
Milwaukee has shown some resilience, posting an 8-9 record against Eastern Conference opponents this season. They are particularly proficient from beyond the arc, ranking second in the NBA with an average of 15.7 made three-pointers per game, shooting at an impressive 41.0% rate. AJ Green leads the team with an average of 3.4 three-pointers made per game, boasting a remarkable shooting percentage of 49.7% from that distance.
On the other hand, the 76ers have also fared well against Eastern Conference teams, holding a record of 10-9. They rank fifth in the conference for defensive rebounds, averaging 32.7 per game, with Andre Drummond contributing significantly by averaging 6.3 defensive boards. Offensively, Philadelphia scores an average of 115.8 points per game—1.2 points fewer than the 117.0 points the Bucks allow. The 76ers’ shooting percentage sits at 46.1%, slightly lower than the 47.4% that Bucks’ opponents have achieved this season.
The matchup on Friday marks the second meeting between the two teams this season. In their first encounter on November 21, the 76ers triumphed over the Bucks with a score of 123-114 after an overtime battle, thanks to a stunning performance from Tyrese Maxey, who scored 54 points in that game.
Recent Performance and Key Players
In their last ten games, the Bucks have struggled, posting a record of 2-8. During this stretch, they have averaged 110.1 points, 38.9 rebounds, and 27.0 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.5 points per game against them.
In contrast, the 76ers have managed a balanced performance with a 5-5 record over their last ten games. They average 113.9 points, 45.5 rebounds, and 25.2 assists per game while shooting 45.3% from the field. However, their opponents have averaged slightly more points, at 117.3 per game.
Key players to watch include Ryan Rollins, who is averaging 17.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.6 steals for the Bucks. Green continues to shine with his three-point shooting, averaging 5.0 three-pointers over the last ten games. For the 76ers, VJ Edgecombe is shooting 41.3% and averaging 14.4 points, while Maxey is making 4.0 three-pointers per game on average during the same period.
Injury Updates
In terms of injuries, the Bucks will be without star player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is out due to a calf issue, along with Taurean Prince, who is sidelined with a neck injury. The 76ers also face challenges with Trendon Watford out due to a thigh injury and Kelly Oubre Jr. out with a knee issue. Paul George is listed as day-to-day with a knee concern and his status for the game remains uncertain.
As the teams prepare for this crucial contest, the stakes are high for both sides. Fans can expect an exciting showdown as the 76ers aim to gain an edge in the playoff race, while the Bucks look to turn their season around against a formidable opponent.
