The Philadelphia 76ers stumbled in their season opener, 126-117, on the road against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.
The Sixers will now look to erase that performance when they host the ultra-talented Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
James Harden scored 35 points, Joel Embiid added 26 points and 15 rebounds, but the Philadelphia bench produced only 11 points. It was not the start coveted for a franchise hoping to reach at least the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2001.
The Sixers bolstered their roster in the offseason with the additions of De’Anthony Melton, Danuel House Jr., P.J. Tucker and Montrezl Harrell.
But the four players combined for 14 points and were virtually non-existent in the fourth quarter.
Harden attempted to carry the team as he hit all 12 free throws and added eight rebounds and seven assists.
The Bucks, who are considered a legitimate title contender, will open the season without All-Star forward Khris Middleton.
Middleton is recovering from left wrist surgery.
Giannis Antetokounmpo understands that he must assume an even larger leadership role with Middleton sidelined for at least two-to-three weeks.
Joe Ingles (left knee) and Pat Connaughton (calf) were limited during the preseason and both players were ruled out on Wednesday. Wesley Matthews (ankle) is set to play.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, averaged 29.9 points and 11.6 rebounds per game last season.
Even with the banged-up players, the Bucks still possess enough other options with Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen and Bobby Portis to come up with a road win at Philadelphia.
