After having secured the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference and their position for the upcoming playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks seem to have lost the momentum that helped them get to this stage. Losing to the Knicks by a score of 122-109 in their latest matchup, the team has now established a 3-7 record to its name. The instance has left numerous spectators and analysts confused; even as far as to speculate on whether establishing the losing streak is part of a more extensive strategy or simply poor performance. One of these used his platform to call the streak a genius move by head coach Doc Rivers and the roster.

In the aftermath of the Bucks-Knicks clash, renowned sports commentators Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes sat down for a discussion on the state of the high-seeding team. Wright highlighted his opinion that the Bucks are allegedly trying to think of the bigger picture instead of attempting to win every game. He stated that by falling to the 3rd seed, the team would not have to play against the Philadelphia 76ers, the very team that is currently running on a five-win streak thanks to its star player Joel Embiid.

“The Sixers are not going to be able to climb out of that playing spot, they’re going to be the 7,” said Wright. “So if you’re the Milwaukee….would you rather be the two or would you rather fall to the three line because the NBA has not adopted ‘Pick your own opponent at playoffs’ and because of that, they are incentivized to lose, get the Pacers in round one”. The 39-year-old continued to state that the Bucks are doing “the smart thing” by avoiding facing the Sixers during the early stages of the playoffs.

The Sixers, occupying 7th seed, 44-35, are currently in contention with the Heat and Pacers for the sixth seed. With Joel Embiid’s strong comeback after two months, Tyrese Maxey’s most impressive breakout season, and championship coach Nick Nurse’s lead, the team has been on a formidable run. If they manage to gain a one-up against the Pacers, and the Bucks fell to 3rd, a confrontation would be a given. And if there is anyone who wants to triumph over the 76ers allegedly, then it is Doc Rivers.

The 62-year-old served as the head coach for Joel Embiid and co for three seasons before he was fired after the team’s loss during the conference semifinals in 2023. But if Wright’s opinion had any merit in reality, Rivers would probably be playing the long game in such a scenario and avoiding a confrontation with his former team. Furthermore, with Joel Embiid returning, the Bucks would think twice before facing their rival’s lead scorer.

Joel Embiid against the Bucks

Over the last ten games with Joel Embiid serving as the primary center, the 76ers have possessed a 3-7 record against the Bucks. While many reasons can be attributed to this low score, the 7x NBA All-Star’s performance cannot be amongst them. During the same games, Embiid had secured an average score of 26.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists to his name. He went above 30 on three of those occasions while maintaining his high rebounds. He made an average of 9-21 field goals and 3-7 three-pointers.

The last time that Embiid faced the Bucks was back in October 2023 at the Fiserv Forum in Wisconsin. While Tyrese Maxey led the offensive charge with his 31 points, the center lightened his load by contributing 24 to the overall score. The 76ers lost the game by a score of 117-118, one of the closest margins recorded between the two teams’ history. Therefore, knowing the danger that Embiid could have for the Bucks, it would be a good thing for Rivers to avoid a confrontation in order to avoid an early elimination.

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