The schedule, which never lies about these things, says the Milwaukee Bucks will get Philadelphia Friday night for the first time since their memorable seven-game Eastern Conference finals with the 76ers last season.

Yet for all the reasons that should elevate the game Friday night at the First Union Center beyond the pedestrian NBA regular-season setting, circumstances have gotten in the way.

The Bucks, losers of six of their last eight games and five straight on the road, are searching for consistency. And the defending conference champion 76ers are struggling more than they have in five years with six consecutive defeats.

Forget about the glamour of a conference finals rematch. Either team would just be happy to just settle for a victory.

Against anyone.