The Milwaukee Bucks (34-35) can take a big step tonight towards locking up their first playoff birth since the 2009-2010 season. Milwaukee is on the road to take on the Philadelphia 76ers (27-43).
The Bucks lead the 76ers by 7 1/2 games for the final playoff spot in the east. The magic number sits at five for Milwaukee (Bucks wins and Philly losses), so a win tonight would bring that down to three. Milwaukee has already clinched the season series with Philadelphia by winning all three of the previous games this season. Despite the big lead, Bucks PG Brandon Jennings isn’t expecting the 76ers to lay down…
AUDIO: Brandon Jennings is expecting a fight from Philly :11
While a playoff spot would be nice, the Bucks have their focus on climbing up the playoff ladder to avoid the Miami Heat in the first round. They trail the Boston Celtics (36-34) by 1 1/2 games. Boston lost to the Knicks Tuesday night helping Milwaukee’s cause. The Bucks hold the tiebreaker over the Celtics by winning 3 of the 4 meetings this season.
Milwaukee and Philly are scheduled for a 6:00 tip. After tonight’s game, the Bucks return home Thursday to face the Lakers before hosting Oklahoma City Saturday.