The NBA is definitely on the light side on Thursday, but there are multiple playoff teams in action. The evening tips off with the Philadelphia 76ers hosting the Milwaukee Bucks in a battle of two of the top three seeds in the Eastern Conference postseason race. The injury bug dominates the headlines heading into the contest with Jimmy Butler already ruled out with back tightness, while Joel Embiid is dealing with left knee soreness. Philadelphia chose to rest Embiid the last three games and the All-Star center is listed as questionable for the game. For the Bucks, guard Khris Middleton is listed as probable and Giannis Antetokounmpo insists that he is 100 percent recovered from an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors are looking to lock up the top seed in the Western Conference. Golden State currently holds a 1.5-game lead over the Denver Nuggets for that distinction with just five regular-season games remaining. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers don't have much to play for with LeBron James, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart already being shut down for the season.
NBA schedule for Thursday, April 4
*All times Eastern
Bledsoe ejected after altercation with Embiid
It didn't take long for fireworks to erupt during Thursday's matchup between the 76ers and Bucks. Early in the first quarter, Joel Embiid took exception to an elbow to the back by Eric Bledsoe, then tossed the ball at him. Bledsoe responded by firing the ball back at Embiid, striking him in the midsection. Then, for good measure, Mike Scott picked up the ball and threw it at Bledsoe. Embiid and Scott both drew technical fouls, while Bledsoe received two techs and was ejected from the game.
