Will Joel Embiid & Giannis Antetokounmpo Play Tonight? Philadelphia 76ers vs Milwaukee Bucks: Preview, Lineups & Predictions

The team that is on a six-game winning streak currently, the Philadelphia 76ers, will play hosts to Milwaukee Bucks, who are themselves on a 4-game winning run in the blockbuster NBA clash. While the Sixers are currently topping the table in the East, their counterparts are not far behind either as they lie in third place.

Date & Time: March 17, 2021, 6pm ET

Venue: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia

Records: Sixers (28-12), Bucks (25-14)

Preview | Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers look like the team to beat, even without the presence of Joel Embiid. The Cameroonian big man hurt his left knee in the game against the Wizards and exited soon after.

Although the scans showed no damage to his ligaments and meniscus, he suffered a bone bruise. According to the reports, he will be re-evaluated in a week from now. So, he is set to stay on the sidelines for this clash.

However, in his absence, others have gleefully stepped up, especially Tobias Harris. He is taking the bulk of the scoring mantle, having scored 30 points in their 99-96 win against the Knicks. Also, Dwight Howard has been an able deputy off the bench and playing more minutes in Embiid’s absence.

With Ben Simmons holding the fort, the Sixers have won the last couple of games in Embiid’s absence.

Read More – Coach Doc Rivers Explains How 2008 Celtics and 2021 Sixers Strike Visible Commonality

Starting 5 for the Philadelphia 76ers

Guard – Ben Simmons

Guard – Seth Curry

Center – Tony Bradley

Forward – Danny Green

Forward – Tobias Harris

Preview | Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are the most in-form team in the NBA right now; in their last 10 games, they hold a 9-1 winning record. Not only that, but their recent form has been aided by the return of Jrue Holiday.

The defensive metronome missed a chunk of games in February after contracting COVID. Since his return, they have won five of their last six games. They will look to continue that momentum with Giannis leading the pack.

Starting 5 for the Milwaukee Bucks

Guard – Donte DiVincenzo

Guard – Jrue Holiday

Center – Brook Lopez

Forward – Giannis Antetokounmpo

Forward – Khris Middleton

Predictions | Sixers vs Bucks

Because of Embiid’s absence, the Bucks go in as the favorites for this encounter. They will look to break the Sixers’ winning run and boost their bid to dethrone them from the top of the Eastern Conference Standings.