The Milwaukee Bucks are the next test for a Philadelphia 76ers group that once again pushed late but came up short on Wednesday night. Philadelphia tried to claw back against Toronto with another gritty fourth quarter, yet the damage from a messy third period and a wave of turnovers proved too heavy to overcome in a 121-112 loss. Their effort in the closing minutes showed some fight, but the earlier miscues left them little room to work with.
Nov 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (1) grabs a rebound against Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) during the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Now the Sixers head into the second half of their back to back on the road against an 8 – 7 Bucks team. The official injury report will come closer to tipoff, but Wednesday’s absences remain worth tracking. Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr., Paul George and Adem Bona all sat out. George returning would not be surprising since appearing in both legs of this set was never likely so soon after his comeback.
This meeting with the Bucks carries a completely different tone than it did earlier in the week. The news of Giannis Antetokounmpo being ruled out for one to two weeks with a left groin strain changes the matchup in a major way. Giannis has produced one of the most efficient stretches of his career while averaging more than 31.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. He remains the driving force behind Milwaukee’s competitiveness even as they sit in the lower half of the Eastern Conference standings.
The Bucks without the Greek Freak
Oct 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; The Milwaukee Bucks bench celebrates a three point shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Without him, the Bucks will lean more on Kyle Kuzma, Myles Turner and Ryan Rollins. Rollins has surprised many by becoming their second leading scorer and providing confident shot making across all three levels. Milwaukee will also be without Kevin Porter Jr. and Taurean Prince.
Oct 22, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (7) is helped off the court after being injured in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
For the Sixers, this creates a clearer path. The Bucks own a strong positive net rating with Giannis on the floor and a steep drop when he sits, which says plenty about how different the team becomes. With less imposing help near the rim, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes should feel encouraged to attack downhill. A potential return from George would help as well on a night when Philadelphia needs more support on the wing.
Cleaning up the twenty one turnovers from Wednesday loss against the Raptors remains an absolute priority.
The game is set for Thursday, November 20 at 8:00 p.m. ET, with the matchup taking place at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.