After a close loss to the second-seeded Phoenix Suns, the Sixers have to fly out to Milwaukee for a two-game series against the Bucks. Philly still has its fair share of injuries that are becoming more concerning by the day, and facing a playoff-caliber team in the Bucks won’t make it any easier. The game is set for 7 eastern on TNT.

Last night the Sixers were without three starters in the loss to the Suns. Tobias Harris missed his third straight game with a knee injury and is currently listed as out for tonight’s matchup. Ben Simmons missed his second game with what has been deemed a non-COVID-related illness, his status for tonight’s game is unknown.

After facing his brother on Monday Seth Curry sat last night’s game with a hip injury, his status for tonight’s game is also up in the air. At first, it was thought these guys were just getting rest days, but concern continues to grow as key players miss consecutive games with little context on why from the team. For now, the Sixers starting lineup is completely up in the air, but don’t be surprised if it’s missing normal starters again.

Joel Embiid was the only player questionable to play yesterday that ended up suiting up for the Sixers. Embiid said after the game he was supposed to take a rest day against the Suns but decided against it. He also made sure to mention that he would play tonight’s game against the Bucks, even if it was the second game of a back-to-back.

Giannis Antetokounmpo exited Monday’s game early with what was labeled a “leg cramp.” Luckily for him, Milwaukee got two full days off to treat his leg. He’s currently listed on the Bucks’ injury report as “Day-to-Day” with the injury.

The last time the Sixers and Bucks faced off was on March 17th. This was one of the first games the Sixers played without Embiid, who’d suffered his scary knee injury five days prior. Despite his absence, the game was close all the way through, ending in an OT loss for Philly 109-105.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 32 points, 15 rebounds proved to be too much for a Sixers team missing their rock under the rim. Tonight’s matchup won’t likely feature the teams at full strength again, as the Sixers have injury issues in their starting lineup ahead of this matchup as well.

Thanks to Brooklyn’s loss to the Raptors last night the Sixers still sit a half-game ahead of the Nets for the top seed in the East. With Milwaukee just three-and-a-half games back from the Sixers, these next two games could extend Philly’s lead over the Bucks, or pull Milwaukee right back into the race for the #1 seed in the East.

Mandatory Credit: Matt Slocum.