The Philadelphia 76ers are firmly in the conversation of reaching the NBA Finals in June, but in order to do so, they will have to get past the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks present a huge challenge as they are led by league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and fellow All-Star Khris Middleton along with a supporting cast that is among the best in the league. That is what the Sixers are up against on Saturday when they have to head out on the road to face them for the third time this season.
After opening the post All-Star break schedule with a win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, they now see the Bucks as a big test for them.
“Every game is going to be a test for us,” said Tobias Harris. “Every game is preparation for us to get ready for the playoffs. From here on out, we look at every opportunity to better ourselves and what better way than playing the top team in the East at their place? We’ve had very good battles with them in the two games we’ve played, but we have to want more for ourselves and each other. We’ll be ready for that.”
The Sixers blew them out in Philadelphia on Christmas Day that was a very impressive win, but they lost their last matchup with them on the road. Philadelphia big man Joel Embiid is ready for another crack at Antetokounmpo and the rest of the Bucks.
“For sure,” he said. “We beat them pretty bad in the first matchup. They got us in the last one. So, it’s on us to just go out there and beat them again.”
This could be a big litmus test for this team. They have their struggles on the road sitting at 9-19 away from the City of Brotherly Love and after a perfect 4-0 homestand extended back to February 7, this team is in a position now to make a statement.
If they can have a carryover effect from the homestand and bring it with them on the road, then things can change for this team in the blink of an eye. [lawrence-related id=26202,26193,26174]