Total Breakdown: Doc Rivers broke down in tears when he broke the awful news about this important player and provided a heartbreaking update.
The Milwaukee Bucks had a strong start to the second half of the season. They had lost their previous two games going into the break, but they turned things around with a big 112-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were leading the West. The Bucks will play their Eastern Conference opponents, the Philadelphia 76ers, at the Wells Fargo Center later in the day as a follow-up test.
The Sixers’ big man, Joel Embiid, won’t be playing, but Tyrese Maxey and company will pose a challenge for the Bucks defense. Is Giannis Antetokounmpo going to put on his pads tonight to assist the squad easily defeat Philadelphia?
The Greek Freak’s right knee patellar tendinitis had him rated as questionable going into the game, yet he lit up the scoreboard with 33 points and 13 rebounds in their most recent victory. His injury has not received any new information as of now. Consequently, since this evening’s game is not back-to-back with Sunday’s, he will probably suit up again. But Khris Middleton’s sprained ankle will prevent him from playing.
To pull off another victory, the Bucks will require every card in the deck. The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 104-97 to win their second straight game, sending them into a state of good spirits. Furthermore, the 76ers, who lost to Milwaukee on October 26 by a score of just one point (118–117), will be eager to tie the season series. Can the Philly offense be stopped by the Bucks?
Can the Milwaukee Bucks keep up their current pace of play?
Since the beginning of the season, the Milwaukee Bucks’ porous defense has been the misery of their existence. Compared to the 110.9 points per 100 possessions they allowed up just a season ago, their defensive rating of 115.7 is a far cry. At the trade deadline, they acquired Patrick Beverly as a means of making up for the loss of Jrue Holiday, a top perimeter defensive player. It remains to be seen, though, if this mid-season addition will help their defensive woes.
Additionally, the defense of the Bucks was immediately impacted by Doc Rivers, their new head coach. The squad was 22nd in the league in terms of points allowed per game during Adrian Griffin’s tenure. They have risen to 17th in the league since Rivers took charge. But on Sunday afternoon, when they play the Philadelphia 76ers, their defense will be put to the test. Even with Joel Embiid, the current MVP, the Sixers are among the league’s top offensive teams. As a result, they will compete fiercely with the Bucks tonight.
