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

4. Bucks’ shot profile

The Bucks’ offense is built to generate shots at the rim (hi, Giannis) and at the three-point line, normally because of Giannis’ pressure on the rim. The Sixers are a defense equipped to funnel players off the three-point line and force contested shots inside the arc. It’s an intriguing matchup.

If any team can impede the Bucks’ (read: Giannis’) success at the rim, it’s Philadelphia. Simmons can provide a light deterrent on the perimeter, while Embiid and Al Horford have the size and coordination necessary to disrupt the Freak’s forceful runs to the hoop.

The Sixers have a fleeting chance to throw Giannis off his rhythm, even if it’s only to a minor degree. If Philadelphia manages to keep Giannis in check, their ability to adequately defend the three-point line could slow the Bucks’ dynamic offense.

With that in mind, I would not proceed with optimism in any game involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. He’s having an even better season than last year, when MVP was a landslide victory. He’s also surrounded by a perfectly matched supporting cast — Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Wesley Matthews, and the sort. Eric Bledsoe‘s absence hasn’t hurt much at all.