76ers vs Bucks: Embiid Out Again, Giannis Sidelined in Milwaukee

The Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks faced off Thursday night in what became a battle of depleted rosters, as both franchises entered the matchup without their franchise cornerstones due to ongoing injury concerns.

Embiid's Extended Absence Continues

Joel Embiid missed his fifth consecutive game for the 76ers, sidelined with right knee injury management. According to multiple reports, including coverage from Newsweek and CBS Sports, the All-Star center underwent imaging that came back clear, but the team continues to exercise extreme caution with their franchise player.

The 76ers entered Thursday's contest with an 8-6 record, coming off a disappointing 121-112 home loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. That game marked the second night of a back-to-back set, making Embiid's absence somewhat expected given Philadelphia's load management approach this season.

"Coming off knee surgery and playing for the first time since March 4, George started but was limited to 21 minutes," CBS Sports reported, highlighting the cautious approach the team is taking with their star players' health.

Andre Drummond has shouldered the starting center responsibilities in Embiid's absence, while Dominick Barlow has seen increased minutes off the bench. The silver lining for Philadelphia was the return of Paul George, who was back in the lineup after sitting out Wednesday's game due to his own knee injury management protocol.

Giannis Suffers Groin Strain

The Bucks' injury situation proved even more concerning for Milwaukee. Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out for Thursday's game with a left adductor strain sustained during Monday's 118-106 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to Athlon Sports' injury report, the two-time MVP is expected to miss at least one week, though Bucks coach Doc Rivers suggested the recovery timeline could extend to approximately two weeks.

"Obviously, you gotta be careful with that because we want him to be back," Rivers told reporters, as quoted by CBS Sports. "Strains are interesting. You can't take time off and you can't work too hard, either. Back in the old days, you had a strain, they told you to rest. We've learned that's actually the worst thing you can do with a strain."

An MRI performed Tuesday confirmed there was no tear in Antetokounmpo's groin, providing some relief for the organization. However, the Bucks entered Thursday's game with an 8-7 record, making every game crucial as they try to establish momentum in the competitive Eastern Conference.

Game Statistics and Performance

The matchup at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee drew 16,574 fans, with tipoff scheduled for 8:00 PM EST. According to ESPN's box score data, the game showcased several standout performances from role players stepping into expanded responsibilities.

For Milwaukee, Ryan Rollins emerged as a key contributor in Giannis's absence. In the Bucks' previous game against Cleveland, Rollins recorded 24 points and five assists, demonstrating his ability to create offense when called upon. Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma were also expected to carry heavier offensive loads.

The 76ers leaned heavily on Tyrese Maxey, who had been listed as probable with a quad contusion but was expected to play. In Wednesday's loss to Toronto, Maxey led Philadelphia with 24 points and nine assists. Rookie V.J. Edgecombe also showed promise, contributing 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists in that contest.

Team Statistics Comparison

According to ESPN Analytics data from their previous matchups, the two teams showed contrasting strengths entering Thursday's game. The Bucks demonstrated superior shooting efficiency with a 49% field goal percentage compared to Philadelphia's 43%. Milwaukee also held an edge in three-point shooting at 39% versus the 76ers' 34%.

Interestingly, both teams recorded identical turnover numbers at 14 per game, suggesting disciplined ball handling on both sides. However, Philadelphia held a significant advantage on the boards, averaging 52 rebounds compared to Milwaukee's 42—a differential that could prove crucial with both teams' primary interior presences sidelined.

Additional Injury Concerns

Beyond their star players, both teams dealt with additional injury complications. The 76ers ruled out Kelly Oubre Jr., who is dealing with a sprained ligament in his left knee expected to sideline him through the end of November. Adem Bona also remained out for Philadelphia.

Milwaukee's injury report included Kevin Porter Jr. and Taurean Prince as definite absences, while Gary Harris was listed as questionable due to illness. These cumulative absences forced both coaching staffs to dig deeper into their bench rotations and adjust game plans significantly.

Broader Implications

This matchup highlighted a concerning trend across the NBA this season: the increasing frequency of load management and injury-related absences among star players. Both franchises have invested heavily in their superstars—Philadelphia's Joel Embiid and Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo—making their health paramount to postseason aspirations.

The game also served as an important test for both teams' depth. According to Athlon Sports, these situations force organizations to evaluate their roster construction and identify which role players can step up when called upon. For playoff-caliber teams like Philadelphia and Milwaukee, discovering reliable secondary options during the regular season could prove invaluable in April and May.

Looking Ahead

As both teams navigate these injury challenges, the focus shifts to recovery timelines and conditioning. Doc Rivers' comments about the delicate balance required in treating groin strains underscore the medical complexity involved in returning elite athletes to peak performance.

For the 76ers, Sunday represents Embiid's next potential return date, though the team has shown willingness to err on the side of caution throughout the season. Meanwhile, Milwaukee fans anxiously await updates on Giannis's condition, knowing that their championship aspirations largely depend on his health and availability.

Conclusion

Thursday night's 76ers-Bucks matchup became less about marquee star power and more about organizational depth and resilience. With Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined, both teams faced crucial tests in adapting their systems and finding production from unexpected sources. These games, while lacking the star appeal of fully healthy rosters, often reveal which organizations have built sustainable, championship-caliber depth—a quality that will matter most when the playoffs arrive and every victory counts. As the season progresses, both Philadelphia and Milwaukee must balance short-term competitiveness with long-term health considerations, ensuring their superstars are fully prepared for the battles that truly matter.