The Bucks were expected to compete for a championship last year after acquiring Damian Lillard from the Blazers, but things didn’t go as planned. Although Lillard averaged 24.3 points and 7.0 assists per game, his efficiency dropped, and his defense was an issue. Losing Giannis Antetokounmpo in the playoffs also proved costly, as the team was eliminated by Indiana in the first round. Now, many rank the Bucks behind teams like Boston, New York and Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference. However, there are reasons to be optimistic about Milwaukee’s potential this season.
One major factor is head coach Doc Rivers, who took over for Adrian Griffin mid-season. While Rivers is often criticized, he is a proven winner, having led a team to an NBA title. After he took charge on January 29th, the Bucks’ defense improved, going from allowing 117.4 points per 100 possessions to 114.5 points per 100 possessions. Rivers helped stabilize the defense, which is crucial because with Lillard, Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, an average defense should be enough.
Lillard remains one of the best shooters in the game and can still get to the rim with ease. Paired with Antetokounmpo, who averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game last year, the two should form an unstoppable duo. While they didn’t quite gel as expected last season, there’s optimism that more time together will improve their chemistry. The two stars have discussed how their relationship has grown off the court, which could translate into better on-court success. Lillard’s shooting should create more space for Antetokounmpo to dominate in the paint, and Rivers could look to run more plays that involve both players as screeners to maximize the potential of this twosome.
If Lillard and Antetokounmpo can develop a strong two-man game, the Bucks will be hard to stop. Last season, Milwaukee ranked sixth in the NBA in adjusted offensive rating (117.6), but they have the potential to be the league’s best offensive team. Middleton remains a talented scorer, as he showed by averaging 24.7 points per game in the playoffs. Brook Lopez, one of the best shooting centers in the league, adds another dimension with his 36.6% shooting on 5.1 3-point attempts per game. Additionally, Milwaukee made a key offseason move by signing Gary Trent Jr. on a veteran’s minimum contract. Trent shot 39.3% from deep on 6.4 attempts per game last year and should thrive with better looks. He’ll be an afterthought for opposing teams, which should lead to some wide open shots.
The main concern entering this season is Middleton’s health, particularly after he underwent procedures on both ankles during the offseason. It might take him some time to get back to full speed, but he’s been through similar situations before and should be back in form by the time the playoffs arrive. Fortunately, the Bucks now have the depth to manage short-term absences from any of their star players — at least in the regular season.
In addition to Trent, the Bucks added Delon Wright and Taurean Prince on veteran minimum deals. Wright is a solid defender who brings toughness on the perimeter, while Prince is a capable shooter who can guard multiple positions. These additions, along with bench players Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton, give Milwaukee one of the best second units in the league. Portis is a potent scorer off the bench, and Connaughton is a reliable shooter who can also facilitate offense and bring energy on both ends.
Ultimately, the gap between the Bucks and other top Eastern Conference contenders isn’t as wide as people think. Milwaukee’s depth concerns have been addressed, and the team’s success will depend largely on how their stars perform and whether they can stay healthy. With Lillard and Trent providing perimeter shooting, Antetokounmpo attacking the rim, Middleton scoring smoothly and Lopez spacing the floor, the Bucks have all the tools to be an offensive force. Defensively, Lopez remains an elite rim protector, and Antetokounmpo continues to be a game-changer on that end. Rivers just needs to bring all these pieces together for Milwaukee to return to title contention.
Bucks Win Total Prediction
While this team has championship upside, the core players are old and injury prone. So, even with the Bucks having added valuable depth, the Under on the regular season win total looks like the right play. Milwaukee will also spend some of the season toying with ideas and lineups, as the main goal will be maximizing the talent in order to make a run in the postseason. That will come at the expense of winning some games. With that in mind, Milwaukee might not look like an elite team in the regular season. But I wouldn’t hate any futures on the Bucks to win the East or the NBA title. Both are realistic goals.
Lean: Under 50.5 Wins (-105)
