(Associated Press)

Aside from the obvious, of heading into the All-Star break on a strong note, the Sixers need a win Wednesday at Milwaukee.

They know it. They expect the Bucks know it, too.

The Sixers (22-28) are looking for anything to help turn their attention from Monday's embarrassing 107-90 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, during which they were assaulted down low. It got so bad in that one for the Sixers, who were outscored in the paint, 48-26, that fans were booing Blake Griffin for choosing not to dunk.

Heading to Milwaukee – and coming out with a win – would do wonders for the Sixers, both in the standings and for their psyche. The Sixers, ninth in the Eastern Conference, trail the Bucks, who are eighth, for the final playoff spot.

“We can't look at this,” Sixers coach Doug Collins said of the loss to the Clippers. “There are going to be times when teams come in and play great. You have to say they played great.

“I said to the guys, 'We have to go to Milwaukee and we've got to be ready to play. Let's not check out for All-Star week. Let's go to Milwaukee and let's play. That's what we've got to do.'”

Added Jrue Holiday: “It's over with, really. Whatever happened, happened. We're definitely looking at Milwaukee.”

If you take the Sixers at their word, they're keying on the Bucks – not because the Clippers left a bad taste in their mouth, but because …

“That's a team we're chasing,” Nick Young said.