Reading a lot of other sites where people are on the Bucks, as is Mike Barner here, and they certainly have performed better in big games in recent years. This truly feels like a statement game for the Sixers at home, though. Joel Embiid could all but wrap up the MVP with a huge effort. James Harden, as we all know, has not been good in big games in his career and if he tanks here, well, I'm off the Philly/Harden train for good. Guess we could also say the same about Sixers coach Doc Rivers. FiveThirtyEight has Philly about 3.5 points better. I'd pick the Bucks in Milwaukee (or at a neutral site).

The Bucks and 76ers are tied with a 46-28 record and both could finish anywhere from first to fourth in the Eastern Conference, so this is an important game. The Bucks haven’t been at full strength for a while, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday all missing time recently. However, they should all play in this game, and Brook Lopez is back starting at center. I think the Bucks want to make a statement here that they are still the team to beat in the East, so look for them to pull out the victory.