The Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers meet Sunday at Wells Fargo Center with both teams dealing with major availability questions, but only one side still has a star healthy enough to stabilize the offense. Philadelphia is 44-37 and eighth in the Eastern Conference, while Milwaukee sits 11th at 32-49 and has already been eliminated from playoff contention.
Milwaukee’s injury report is the longer and more damaging one, starting with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is out with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise. The Bucks are also without Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, Ryan Rollins, Gary Trent Jr., and Myles Turner, leaving the roster short on scoring, playmaking, and interior size.
That matters because Giannis has been the team’s most reliable force when available, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. Turner’s absence is another major setback, since he gives Milwaukee 11.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game from the center spot.
Gary Harris and Pete Nance are questionable for Milwaukee, which adds more uncertainty to a rotation already stretched thin. Harris’ groin tightness and Nance’s right knee sprain leave the Bucks with even less perimeter depth if either player cannot go.
Philadelphia’s report is shorter, but the biggest names still matter. Joel Embiid is out following post-appendectomy recovery, while Johni Broome remains out as he continues recovering from right knee surgery.
The good news for the 76ers is that Tyrese Maxey is available despite right finger tendon strain and a splint. Maxey has carried the offense all season, averaging 28.4 points and 6.7 assists, and his availability gives Philadelphia a major edge in half-court creation.
The Sixers have also owned this matchup so far, winning all three meetings this season. They beat Milwaukee 123-114 on Nov. 20, 116-101 on Dec. 5, and 139-122 on Jan. 27.
Philadelphia comes in off a 105-94 road win over Indiana, while Milwaukee beat Brooklyn 125-108 after a 96-90 loss to the Nets earlier in the week.
