2 min read • February 17, 2022
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Two of the top Eastern Conference contenders will square off with both healthy going into the last nationally televised game before the All-Star break. MVP frontrunners Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo are playing well and relatively healthy with the latter recently sitting out a game due to right ankle soreness.
Bucks Health
The 2019 and 2020 MVP missed the Bucks game on Monday due to ankle soreness but promptly returned to drop 50 points and 14 rebounds against a gouged Pacers roster.
With the All-Star break looming, the Bucks may decide to reduce their stars minutes but will likely go the route of trying to win a crucial Eastern Conference matchup.
A problem spot on the Bucks roster is the shooting guard position with both Grayson Allen and Wesley Matthews dealing with injuries.
Allen is listed as doubtful and will miss the matchup due to a hip issue. Matthews (FD $3,500) will play through his toe injury and draw the start. The former Laker will draw heavy minutes with Pat Connaugton still out with a fractured fourth metacarpal on his right hand. Fellow SG DeAndre Bembry is not playing after signing with the team on Wednesday.
Sixers Health
The Sixers facilitated a massive trade at the deadline acquiring guard James Harden who comes with a current injury issue. Harden has missed the last seven games due to a nagging hamstring injury and will sit out throughout the all-star break.
As it sits, Harden is the only major injury concern for the Sixers heading into the matchup. A disadvantage the trade brought is the loss of roster depth with both SG Seth Curry and backup C Andre Drummond traded to the Nets although veteran PF Paul Millsap suited up for his first game on Wednesday.
Curry and Drummond combined for 53.2 minutes played per game meaning the Sixers starting 5 will likely play big minutes until Harden returns and Millsap is more acclimated.
Players like Joel Embiid (FD $11.400) and Furkan Korkmaz (FD $3,700) will specifically play extended minutes due to the roster constraints.
Both teams have turned in a clean bill of health before tip but betting value remains:
Sixers/Bucks U223 Total Points
Sixers +7
Giannis Antetokounmpo U30.5 Points
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