The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off of a good performance, but overall loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Really, that’s been the theme this year, as they’ve lost all three of their games thus far. There have been good things that came from these losses, but a loss is still a loss. They are in Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Wednesday night, in hopes of finding their first win of the season.
As always with the Bucks, it’s a bit bitter facing up against former Sixer Michael Carter-Williams, who was traded away last year. Still, the Bucks aren’t in the best position, as they’ve started this season 1-3, all losses against Eastern Conference teams. The Bucks are a young team just like Philadelphia, with some of their best players only in their second or even rookie year.
The Sixers will need to be active on defense. The Bucks are decent in scoring so far this season with 100 points per game, and their offensive rating is currently eighth in the league. So far the Sixers are not doing well on defense with the 26th best defensive rating in the league. Okafor is going to need to really step up in the key in this one to stop guys like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greg Monroe. Together, that front court has averaged 40 points per game.
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Realistically, this is the first game the Sixers are playing where they can actually have a shot at winning. Both teams don’t have much depth, and have to rely on role playing bench players who may not be completely up to the challenge of the NBA yet. It should be a good game.
The battle will undoubtedly be at the front court, with Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel facing off against Antetokounmpo and Monroe. Whichever duo scores more points in the paint will win the game.
Injuries, again
Robert Covington returned Monday against the Cavaliers and apparently that’s all his body could take. Covington has a knee sprain from practice on Tuesday, now.
Robert Covington right knee sprain. Team will learn more tomorrow. Happened at practice.
— brianseltzer (@brianseltzer) November 3, 2015
It’s becoming more and more clear that the Sixers theme of the season is injuries. Covington couldn’t even stay healthy for one game before going down again. The Sixers will have to continue to do the best with what they’ve got, but right now that’s not a whole lot. Here’s hoping no one like Okafor or Noel gets bitten by the injury bug, too.
MCW friendships still alive
It’s hard to believe that not too long ago MCW was a Sixer. He’s still got some close ties to the team, so it will be a nice reunion before and after the game.
Nerlens Noel told Brian Seltzer that he and Carter-Williams talk often, as recently as last week. It’s clear that the friendship hasn’t died.
Where to watch
The Sixers are looking for that first win, and this is one of the first realistic games they’re playing where they could get it. Fans are divided. Some think that this game is a clear win for the Sixers, other think with the injuries it’s not going to be doable. I think it will be a good game no matter what the outcome, so I will be watching.
You can catch the game on Comcast Sports Network within Philadelphia, and it will be broadcast for listening on 97.5 The Fanatic.