Notable NBA games to look forward to in the second half of the schedule: April 22 (Or 24), Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
A no-brainer and a crucial matchup for the East. Just a year ago, both these teams were two whom many expected to see in the NBA finals representing the Eastern Conference. While the Miami Heat‘s magical run upset the heavily favored Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers still can’t seem to find a way past the Boston Celtics, this matchup will be full of talent and could have a substantial impact on the seeding of the conference as a whole.
The 76ers are clearly out for revenge as they’ve climbed to the top of the East after getting booted out of the first round last postseason by who else but the big C’s. Long story short both these borderline superteams did not live up to their hype in previous years and are looking to finally silence the doubters and prove that they have what it takes to take on any team.
This matchup will be a huge test to reigning back-to-back MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s legacy and leadership skills as the Bucks undisputed team alpha. The Greek Freak knows how to put up big numbers, dominate in the regular season, and can play and guard almost any player at any position. He is a superstar undoubtedly, but his flaws are in his ability to go deep in the playoffs and Philadelphia just may be a considerable threat that Milwaukee encounters down the road. Philly isn’t anyone’s guaranteed East champ either, with very prevalent knocks on the team’s resume in recent years.
Joel Embiid is having his best year yet and is currently a frontrunner for the 2021 MVP. Ben Simmons has been diligently making up for his lack of offensive prowess by becoming one of the league’s best defenders. But the 76ers’ problems lie in their lack of depth and their ever-changing supporting cast. Tobias Harris has been the only real consistency found on the Sixers bench in recent years, and while he is a very solid player he’s is just one person.
The Sixers will need young promising pieces like Matisse Thybulle and Shake Milton among others to keep up the tempo when Embiid and Simmons need to rest. Joel Embiid is one of the few in the East who can consistently guard Giannis meaning his performance is going to be an x-factor in this game. These two conference juggernauts will face off in a back-to-back set in late April that you will not want to miss.