Milwaukee Bucks VS Philadelphia 76ers

The first round is officially in the books, and man was it crazy. Every single series went to a minimum of 6 games and two game 7’s, just crazy. It was a fun first round with some upsets, and near upsets. But now it’s the time that the true contenders separate themselves from the rest of the pack to go and prove they are here to win it all. This matchup is bound to be a fun one. Philly vs the Bucks, SGA vs Fox, big vs small. This series could end up being the highest scoring series in the entire playoffs. Two MVP candidates will do their best to lead their teams past the second round for a shot to make it to the ECF to face the winner of Boston and Washington. But first, let's go over how we got here. 

How we got here.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks, for about 90% of the season, seemed like the clear cut favorites to win it all. They started the season on a massive winning streak, and just kept rolling, and rolling, and rolling. And then the deadline came around and the Lakers decided to trade for superstar Steph Curry, becoming the new favorites. Milwakiees response? Trading for superstar 2-way wing Paul George. They once again became the considered favorites. Unfortunately, the injury bug hit Mil late into the season, and at the same time Wash started getting hot. Within the last two weeks of the season Mil dipped into 2nd in the east and Wash finished first to end the season. In the first rd Mil beat NY 4-2 in what was considered a fun series, and made Daz sweet a bit. Now it’s time for them to face off against an even tougher opponent in Philly. 

Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers had a great season despite the injury bug hitting the team throughout the season. Constant injuries to Wiggins, Russ, brogdon and smart killed Philly's guard rotation. Luckily Philly also has a secret weapon, De'aaron Fox. Fox was a monster this season for Philly, keeping them afloat and taking this broken and bruised philly team to a top 3 finish. Thus set up a first round matchup with Toronto. Despite the efforts of the mastermind GM for Toronto and his team being led by star rookie CHetg Holgrem, they were just no match. Philly would end up despatching the Raptors in 6 games, setting up a 2nd round matchup with the Milwakiee Bucks. 

X-Factor

Bucks: Defense.

If the Bucks want to advance to the ECF for the third consecutive year, they need to stop the Philly guards. Fox, Wiggins, Russ, Brogdon and Norman are all averaging 12 or more PPG this past season, with fox averaging 34.7ppg, good for third in the NSL this past season. That is a lot of scoring from a bunch of different guys that can all drop 25-30 at the drop of a hat on any given night. Luckily Mil has an answer. Turner, Mobley, PG, SGA, Thybulle and Royce. The Bucks have an assortment of incredibly good defensive players. Mobley and Turner can defend the point while everyone else (and mobley) can defend the perimeter, Mil can legit go to 48 minutes a game of having at least 2-3 consistently good defenders on the floor. But if they can’t stop the scoring from Philly, it will be a quick series for Mil, with a flight to Cancun soon after. 

Philly: Size

When a girl tells you size doesn’t matter, good chance that’s the truth. But in this scenario size does matter. Philly only has 1 player on the roster over 6’9. And while rebounding hasn’t been a major issue this season, it could be in this game. Turner and Mobley are both massive presences in the paint with their heights and large wingspans. Philly will need to figure out another way to score and put points on the board if they want a chance in this series because the paint will be clogged 24/7, which could end being a death sentence for a team full of driving guards. 

Key Series Matchup

SGA vs Fox

Two of the top 3 guards in the league this year, both MVP candidates, both the engine of their teams. SGA vs Fox could end up being the most entertaining matchup in the entire playoffs this year. ANd don’t be surprised if both continue their paths of destruction in this series, with them both also finishing in the top 3 in scoring this past season. The key thing to look for in this matchup is just who has to carry more of the load. If either of them are forced to do the majority of their team's scoring, then expect their team to be losing this series, because with two teams that couldn't be more opposite in matchups, the most similar matchup will be the most important. 

Series Prediction: Mil in 5

While I expect each game to be close, I fully expect Mil to take care of Philly with their size and strength down low. SGA and Fox will be the matchup to watch with neither going to disappoint, but I believe that SGA will slightly outplay Fox, helping secure his team's ticket to the ECF.