Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34). Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. are at risk of a first-round stumble

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 4/4/24

The Milwaukee Bucks could get an unwanted matchup in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to make the play-in tournament this season, where they would likely face the Indiana Pacers. With Joel Embiid now back in the rotation, the Sixers are expected to survive that contest and enter the postseason as the seventh seed. That would put them on a collision course with the Bucks.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, who was speaking on Thursday's episode of "First Take," that matchup could create major problems for the Bucks.

"Joel Embiid came back two days ago, and I thought he looked pretty good," Windhorst said. "I can't predict the future about whether he's going to stay healthy, but I think if Joel can strengthen and get his conditioning back...They're heading for the seventh seed...They could line up with Milwaukee and that's a terrible break. Even if they'd won these last two games by 20 points as they should have...They are really challenged by the fact they can't keep people in front of them. That combined with Joel Embiid in the first round, is worrisome."

.@WindhorstESPN says the Bucks could exit the playoffs in the first round pic.twitter.com/2pXSzucoKu
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 4, 2024

Milwaukee has struggled on defense all season. Doc Rivers' addition as head coach has failed to have the immediate boost that many within the organization were likely hoping for.

Facing another titan of the Eastern Conference would be a nightmare scenario for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of Milwaukee's roster.

The Sixers play at a pace that would likely cause issues for Rivers' team. Giannis could struggle against a stern Philadelphia defense, especially if Embiid anchors it in the middle of the paint.

Nevertheless, Damian Lillard's addition this summer has ensured the Bucks are in championship mode. They need to contend for a title this season; otherwise, it will be deemed a failure.

Still, nobody expected the Bucks and Sixers to be potential opponents in the first round of the playoffs. Only one of those two teams can advance. Unfortunately for the Bucks, when Embiid has been healthy this season, the Sixers look like the better team.

More must-reads: