The Sixers look to wrap up their three-game road trip tonight as they travel to Milwaukee for a date with former Sixer, Michael Carter-Williams, who is now a member of the Bucks. It will definitely be a weird sight tonight to watch MCW attempt to carve up the Sixers defense, sporting a dark green uniform. Speaking of carving up the Sixers defense, it’s been happening a lot lately, especially on the road. The Sixers will come into the Bradley Center as losers of ten consecutive road games, including two straight in the sunshine state on this trip alone. And the 119-108 loss to Miami last night made it four in a row for the Sixers who are struggling to pull through with some wins after their trade deadline madness. Tonight in Milwaukee will not get any easier, unfortunately.
The Bucks come into this matchup with the Sixers holding a 31-25 record which you can mark down as one of the surprising, if not the most surprising record, around the league at this point in the season. The Bucks weren’t exactly supposed to be contenders in the Eastern Conference but with the way they’ve been playing throughout this season, they’re going to make the playoffs, barring any crazy collapse, and I could definitely see this team overcoming a few top teams as underdogs come playoff time, especially if Michael Carter-Williams can produce quality minutes on a night-to-night basis. General point is, this team is much better then experts thought they’d be they are going to be a tough test for any team that shows up on their schedule.
Recently, the Bucks have lost two consecutive games, including an 87-71 blowout at the hands of the Chicago Bulls last night. They were held to a season-low 33.7 shooting percentage from the floor, as well as a dismal 22.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc in the event. Now, you may be thinking these numbers are so low because Michael Carter-Williams is now their starting point guard, but that’s not the case because Carter-Williams’ right big toe injury that he suffered while he was here in Philly, hasn’t allowed him to hit the floor yet for the Bucks. Whether he starts tonight for Milwaukee or comes off the bench, the former Sixers starting point guard is expected to make his, much anticipated, Bucks debut tonight. Fittingly enough, his opponent will be Sam Hinkie’s Sixers.
Game Notes:
- The Sixers have lost four in a row overall to the Bucks.
- The Bucks’ 71 points in their last game was a season low.
- The Sixers allowed the Heat to score a season-high 119 points on 55.4 percent shooting last night so the Bucks may be able to get back on track.
- The Sixers have 40 turnovers combined in their first two meetings with the Bucks this season.
- Since dealing point guard Brandon Knight away at the deadline, Milwaukee has put up 82.0 points a night. That’s 16.3 points below their season average of 98.3.
Injuries:
Sixers- Jerami Grant (lower-back contusion) is day to day. Joel Embiid (foot) and Tony Wroten (knee) are out indefinitely.
Bucks- Carter-Williams (toe) is probable to play. Jabari Parker (knee) is out indefinitely for the Bucks.
Projected Starters:
Sixers
PG- Isaiah Canaan
SG- Jason Richardson
SF- Robert Covington
PF- Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
C- Nerlens Noel
Bucks
PG- Jerryd Bayless
SG- Khris Middleton
SF- Ersan IIyasova
PF- Giannis Antetokounmpo
C- John Hensen
Game Prediction: MCW and the Bucks get the best of the Sixers tonight. MCW goes for 10 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds. Bucks win 97-89.
