Philadelphia 76ers: 5 things to watch for Christmas Day vs. Milwaukee Bucks

The Philadelphia 76ers host the Milwaukee Bucks in a primetime Christmas showdown.

The Philadelphia 76ers will host (yes, host!) the Milwaukee Bucks at 2:30 PM E.T. on Christmas Day. As you spend the day with family and friends, here are five things to watch for as two Eastern Conference powerhouses entertain the masses.

This is the most anticipated matchup of the Sixers’ season to date. Milwaukee is the unquestioned top unit in the NBA right now, sitting comfortably in first place at 27-4. Giannis Antetokounmpo is again the MVP favorite, and the Bucks profile as elite on both ends.

When the Sixers signed Al Horford this summer, many considered it a direct response to Milwaukee’s looming presence in the conference standings. Few players have successfully stymied Giannis in the past. Horford is one of them. Joel Embiid is another.

The Sixers will look to counter Milwaukee’s domineering superstar with size at every position. The Sixers want to overwhelm teams physically. If the Sixers manage to overwhelm the Bucks, one might look more favorably upon their championship odds.

Without further ado, and with holiday spirit in mind, here are five things to watch out for during this afternoon’s contest.