Not looking good for Giannis to play again before the All-Star game. He has a "calf strain." This will be his 4th missed game in a row. He also is getting periolously closer to not hitting the 65 games needed to be All-NBA or get MVP votes. If he misses the next 3 games (likely as the February 10th game is a back to back and why bring him back one game before the all-star break on the 12th), he'll need to play in 24 of the final 29 to qualify.
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Yep, ESPN Gamecast says his expected return date is Feb 20th.
Today's game starts at 1 PM CT and is on ABC. Without Giannis SIxers are favored by 2.5 points.
We will see if he actually comes back after the all-star break right away. He was warming up to play against Charlotte and his calf started to hurt. This could be a long-term thing and it could completely screw the Bucks.
Philly at full strength - Embiid is playing. Means a likely loss
Bucks getting annihilated. Embiid has 15 points in 7 minutes.
Bucks come back with Embiid on the bench to lead 40-39 after one. But god is their transition defense horrible.
What a fukking joke. Embiid somehow got shoved down by Taurean Prince like he was a 120 pound weakling. Giannis ends up with scratches on his arms without calls.
Bucks lead 65-63 at the half. Embiid has 24. Maxey has 26. Lillard has 19.
Bucks behind again as Jackson Jr. tries one of the most awkward shots you will ever see. He's often embarrassing on offense.
Bucks up 12 going to the 4th. Let's see if they can maintain a lead while Lillard sits. With no Giannis, Lillard, or Middleton on the court previously, those minutes often got ugly the last two years.
Bucks now up 19. Embiid's out of gas.
The Sixers have similar, but worse problems, than the Bucks do. They came into the season with one great player who can't stay healthy for the playoffs (Giannis/Embiid), an elite point guard who's a bit small and can be exploited on defense (Dame/Maxey), and a great 3 and D wing that is approaching washed up status (Middleton/George).
The Bucks have the advantage that their role players (Portis, Lopez, Trent, AJ Green) are just a lot better than the crap the Sixers roll out there.
Lead was 23. Now down to 14 with 3 minutes left. Getting sloppy
Nick Nurse is kind of a dick. He knows the BUcks have a back to back tomorrow and he's get the full court press on the last 3 minutes down double digits.
— NBA (@NBA) February 9, 2025
🏀 SUNDAY'S FINAL SCORES 🏀
Damian Lillard scores 43 PTS on 51.9 FG% to lead the @Bucks to the win over Philly!
Gary Trent Jr.: 23 PTS, 6 REB, 3 STL, 7 3PM
Bobby Portis: 18 PTS, 13 REB, 5 AST
Tyrese Maxey: 39 PTS, 5 AST, 4 REB pic.twitter.com/hOGs2ykH9u
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Nice win! Dame came alive in the 2nd half scoring a years best 43 points. I think he had like 3 straight 3 point shots to start the 4th.
@Boris posted:Bucks win?!?? 😳
Embiid was absolutely dominant in the first half, but they mentioned during the telecast that his knee is basically still shot and he needs surgery and a lengthy recovery to have a chance to be right.
He's 31 years old, 7 foot tall and at least 300 pounds, and has only played 448 games since he was drafted 11 years ago. They owe him 195 million over the next 3 years. Embiid looks like he drags that leg up and down the court every possession and he's basically a poor-man's Lopez on defense. He is a great rim protector, but he can't stay in front of anybody at the 3 point line.
They owe Paul George (who turns 35 in 3 months) 160 million over the next 3 years. Paul George is Middleton-level hobbled right now.
They are more screwed than the Bucks are and it's not even close, but at least Philly still controls their future draft picks.
Coming into this season, the Sixers were thought of being a top 4 seed in the East. Now, they might be lucky to make the playoffs at all.
Embiid is still a generational talent, but he’s bordering on Khris Middleton health status. In fact, much like Anthony Davis, the guy is always hurt.
I didn’t understand the Paul George trade at all. It would be one thing if he were even 30 years of age, but he’s 35 with a long list of injuries in recent history.
Maxey is a really good younger player but he can’t do it all.
