Introduction: Bucks vs. 76ers

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian
Lillard make a leap as the undermanned
76ers transition from “The Process” to “The Plan.”

PHILADELPHIA — The network, the
league and the fans beamed as the schedule
for the second night of Week 1
was announced for Bucks-Sixers.

It was all smiles until injuries to key players
on both sides turned the game into a lampoon,
and breaks were expected — and likely
for days to come — in the All-Star Game.

Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (knee) against
Philadelphia and Khris Middleton (bilateral ankle rehab)
against Milwaukee. It’s a tough start to the new season
for both teams, and it’s hard to use as a game guide.

But they played and that was what mattered and it
was enough to learn a little bit about
both teams. Here are five takeaways from the Bucks’
124-109 win at the Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday

 From ‘The Process’ to ‘The Plan’ in Philadelphia

The “trend” in this market increased after
the 76ers slipped significantly to the bottom of the
table a decade ago. This is their strategy to improve
lottery results and attract future stars.

Results were mixed, but Embiid (and briefly Ben Simmons)
provided the quality on the back of which the
franchise rallied to seven straight playoff appearances.

Embiid was the original in every sense of the word,
but now a 7-footer from Cameron
is involved in “the plan.” The nickname may be a
little anachronistic given his staying power in
Philadelphia, but it’s all the rage right now.

Embiid did not play on Wednesday. He may not
play the next few games and has been suspended
for most of the remainder of pre-season. Coach Nick
Nurse said he was not injured during or after the Paris

Olympics. It suggests that teams are considering some
form of rehabilitation management and the NBA is investigating
the matter as a possible violation of player
involvement guidelines jointly negotiated
by the league and the players’ union.

The thread on this needle is hard. “This
plan is because he doesn’t play,” the nurse said.

George is clearly suffering from a recent injury
resulting from hyperextending his left knee in a
conditioning bout. Some Sixers fans believe it’s
better to cut players from the
team now than in the spring.

However, it is questionable whether
any of the ticket buyers for the
opening game felt this way.