NBA: Ranking the 2019 Christmas Day games
By Eliot Clough
2. Bucks and 76ers
A matchup that many NBA fans predict will occur in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2020, the revamped Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers look to face off as a preview for said playoff battle on Christmas Day of 2019.
With Milwaukee adding depth at the center position in Brook Lopez’s twin brother, Robin Lopez, and the 76ers acquiring Al Horford to pair with Joel Embiid this offseason, we could see a matchup between two elite NBA teams we haven’t in a long time.
A contest where one or more big men are the focus.
One could even throw Giannis Antetokounmpo or Ben Simmons onto that list. Considering neither player is lauded for their shooting ability, the majority of their buckets come around the rim and both are 6’10″ or taller, the idea isn’t all that crazy.
Yes, the Bucks were second in 3-pointers attempted last season and have added Kyle Korver this offseason. Yes, the 76ers were eighth in 3-point percentage last year. Yes, it’s still the NBA in 2019 where teams live and die by the 3.
But, the Bucks lost Malcolm Brogdon to the Indiana Pacers. Giannis shoots 25.6 percent from 3. Philadelphia no longer has Jimmy Butler or J.J. Redick (or any sort of depth, for that matter).
Having said all of that, one can absolutely guarantee one thing. These two teams have the most talent in the Eastern Conference going into this coming season, and it’s not close.
Whether or not injuries, shifts in the locker room, or anything else occurs in 2019, the talent is plentiful for each roster, and this will be a fun game to watch on Christmas.