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NBA: Breaking down which team will be the best in the East, Sixers or Bucks

By Hani Salehi

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 18: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates with teammates during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on October 18, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bucks defeat the Celtics 108-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 18: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates with teammates during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on October 18, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bucks defeat the Celtics 108-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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NBA Kawhi Leonard (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Defense

The next category is defense, and as we have heard many times “defense wins championships” so let’s break down each team to determine which will be better on that side of the floor.

Last season, the Bucks had the leagues best defense finishing first in defensive rating with a rating of 105. A major reason why the Bucks defense was so effective was their ability to switch and guard multiple positions, as well as their ability to match any size line up an opponent would throw.

A big key for the Bucks was the growth of Giannis who became a defensive force, with him even finishing as a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Along with Giannis the Bucks also had great defensive contributions from Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe, and even Brook Lopez was a big help with his rim protection.

As mentioned earlier the Bucks managed to keep most of their core defenders from last season which means we should see the Bucks defense be just as good if not even better than last season.

As for the Sixers, their defensive rating last season really didn’t reflect the overall effectiveness of their defense. Last season, the Sixers finished the year with a defensive rating of 112 which ranked eighth in the NBA. Their defense was primarily built around the length and athleticism of Embiid, Simmons, and Butler, while also plugging in versatile wings like Mike Scott and James Ennis to create a very adaptable defense.

Although the Sixers lost Butler this offseason, they made up for it by acquiring some very good defensive depth pieces, the most notable names are Josh Richardson, Al Horford, and Kyle O’Quin. All three players are big, long, and versatile defenders who can really help to fill the hole that was left by Butler. On top of signing depth players, the Sixers still have Embiid and Simmons who will continue to grow and be better as overall players.

Looking at the Sixers roster the main positives about their defense are that they are a big team who can switch with any lineup, and they are very versatile due to the number of wing players they have on the roster.

Comparing both teams defenses is difficult as the Sixers basically have a completely different team, however, at this current moment the Sixers have the edge defensively. Both teams will have great defenses next season however in an NBA where wing defenders are so valuable, the Sixers have the advantage. Therefore, the point for this round will go to the Sixers but it is a very close victory.

Sixers – 2 vs. Bucks – 1

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