NBA Game Preview: Milwaukee Bucks (18-26) vs. Philadelphia Sixers (24-21)

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This Eastern Conference matchup features a struggling Milwaukee Bucks team traveling to face a solid Philadelphia 76ers squad in what could be a competitive but lopsided affair based on current form and records. The Bucks, dealing with a sub-.500 season and key absences, look to snap a skid against a 76ers team riding momentum from strong individual performances and better overall health.

Event Details

Venue: Wells Fargo Center (Xfinity Mobile Arena), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT)

Broadcast/Streaming: NBC, Peacock, FanDuel Sports Network (local markets), NBA League Pass

Records: Milwaukee Bucks (18-26, 11th in Eastern Conference; poor road form implied), Philadelphia 76ers (24-21, mid-tier Eastern standing with strong home play)

Injury Report

Milwaukee Bucks:

Specific major injuries not detailed in latest reports, but season context includes ongoing issues (e.g., historical notes on Giannis Antetokounmpo calf/groin strains earlier in year impacting play). No new major absences flagged for this game, but Bucks have dealt with depth concerns. Giannis Antetokounmpo available and leading team (PPG ~28.9, RPG ~10.1, APG ~6.1).

Overall, Bucks relatively intact but season marred by earlier key injuries affecting record.

Philadelphia 76ers:

Joel Embiid: Likely available/playing (recent triple-doubles and high output).

Paul George: Questionable/out in some recent contexts, but recent games show participation or management.

Other notes: Kelly Oubre Jr. and others have been in/out earlier, but core (Tyrese Maxey, Embiid) healthy and producing. No major new reports of absences for this matchup.
76ers healthier in key spots, with Maxey (high January scoring) and Embiid driving recent wins.

Key Player Matchups

Star Power: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks’ MVP-level force, elite scoring/rebounding) vs. Joel Embiid (76ers’ dominant center, recent 30+ point triple-doubles). This interior battle could decide paint control and rebounding.

Backcourt: Bucks’ guards (e.g., supported by Giannis’ playmaking) vs. Tyrese Maxey (explosive scorer, averaging high 20s in January, efficient shooting). Maxey’s speed and shooting could exploit Bucks’ perimeter defense.

Wings/Depth: 76ers’ supporting cast (e.g., Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes, VJ Edgecombe) providing scoring vs. Bucks’ wings. 76ers’ length and athleticism give edge in transition.

Key X-Factor: Bucks rely heavily on Giannis; if 76ers double or force turnovers, Milwaukee struggles. Embiid/Maxey duo provides balanced attack for Philly.

Recent Team Form

Milwaukee Bucks: Struggling with 18-26 record (below .500). Defensive issues (allowing 115.6 PPG, mid-tier) and low offense (112.4 PPG, bottom-tier). Recent games show inconsistency, with Giannis carrying load but team lacking support. On road, vulnerable to better teams.

Philadelphia 76ers: Solid 24-21 record, with strong recent outings (e.g., OT win over Rockets 128-122, wins over Mavericks 123-108). High-powered offense led by Maxey (28+ PPG in January stretches) and Embiid (triple-double threats). Home form strong, defense improved in wins.

Series History
All-time, competitive rivalry with frequent playoff implications. Bucks hold slight edge historically, but recent seasons see back-and-forth results. In 2025-26 season context, 76ers have momentum in matchups against sub-.500 teams like Milwaukee. Games often high-scoring due to star power.

Betting Trends
76ers strong ATS in home favorites; Bucks struggle covering as large underdogs. Total trends toward under in defensive-minded games, but stars could push over if pace high. Recent Bucks games low-scoring; 76ers higher output at home.

Game Odds

Milwaukee Bucks            219.5

Philadelphia Sixers         – 10.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 26, 2026