When the Sixers and Bucks squared off in a nationally-televised opener, it was billed as a battle of Eastern Conference heavyweights.
Milwaukee won the game by 15 points with Joel Embiid and Paul George sitting out the contest.
From that point, both teams have floundered. The Bucks head into the week with a 4-9 record and their other three wins came against Toronto and Utah – the teams that occupy the bottom of their respective conference standings – and Detroit. The Bucks needed a 59-point outburst from Giannis Antetokounmpo and overtime to defeat the Pistons, who would have won in regulation if rookie Ron Holland hadn’t missed two free throws in the final second.
The Sixers, the biggest spenders on the free agent market, have been even worse. They’re 2-10 with both wins coming in overtime.
To be fair, injuries have played a major role. Khris Middleton has yet to make his season debut for the Bucks as he rehabs an ankle injury. Damian Lillard hasn’t played since last Sunday due to a concussion.
The Sixers haven’t seen what their Big 3 can do. Embiid has only appeared in two games and George has missed half of their contests. Tyrese Maxey hasn’t played since Nov. 6 due to a hamstring injury.
Despite all that, it’s still eye-opening to see those two franchises near the bottom of the standings a month into the season. There have been rumblings in Milwaukee that Antetokounmpo may eventually ask for a change of scenery. Until the Bucks start beating better teams, no one can take them seriously.
Philadelphia will undoubtedly get better when Maxey returns but Embiid’s knee issues remain an ongoing concern. The Sixers currently rank last in the NBA in scoring, rebounding and field-goal percentage.
That brings up to today’s topic: Do you think the Bucks and Sixers will turn things around or will their struggles continue? Which one is more likely to become a contender this season? Do you feel they need to make some moves to change their fortunes or do they just need to have better luck injury-wise?
Please take to the comments section to weigh on this topic. We look forward to your input.
Neither team is a contender. Both will likely make the play in 7-10 seeds but won’t get past the first round vs the likes of the Celtics, Knicks or Cavs. This is coming from a Sixers fan. Morey built a supporting cast that is old and just doesn’t fit together.
You aren’t a sixers fan
And you are a bad teacher.
Really …. I doubt he watches them.
It’s 12 freaking gms.
None of what the Sixers roster looks like matters if Embiid isn’t Embiid.
He has barely started playing and you know he will miss games going forward too. They have dug a big hole and wont have a full healthy roster for many periods this season Im guessing. I honestly wouldnt be surprised if they missed the playoffs altogether.
Fire Morey already
and the NBA should soft ban him in general, he’s a pure scammer.
Too much talent here for either team not to turn it around. The question is how long it takes and how hard a turnaround it is, because finishing in the back half of the East’s seeding will make any playoff run a real gauntlet.
Thanks for reminding me we are in another year where the West only has over .500 teams in the playoffs and the East does not.
Yep, and it’s probably gonna end up that way as well. But seriously though, is anyone besides Boston or Cleveland a lock to lock down a top 4 spot at this stage? The cream will rise to the top, but yeah, a lot less cream in the East.
Way too early to count either team out. 76ers have to be healthy to contend. Bucks have been victims of some poor last second officiating, both times admitted by the league office and the officials after the games.
If the Bucks could have one “do over” it would be not to have traded away Jrue Holiday. Yes, Lillard is a great offensive force, but Jrue’s defense and leadership have yet to be replaced.
You got till all star game to give up on them.
I say they’ll be a top 6 team. And very dangerous in the playoffs.
Bucks have more issues. They are older. And it’s the same guy not playing. Middleton has to come back to stay. Don’t rush him back. This could be Bucks last yr ……..