The Milwaukee Bucks are anticipated to pursue an NBA championship every season, especially with a fit Giannis Antetokounmpo on board. However, the glory of the 2021 championship feels like a distant past, as the Bucks have found themselves eliminated in the first round for three straight seasons. With the league’s oldest roster and limited future draft assets, Milwaukee has needed to be strategic to maintain competitiveness. Will the Bucks manage to keep Antetokounmpo, or is this marking the decline of his tenure in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee Bucks Offseason Overview
The experiment with Damian Lillard in Milwaukee has proven to be a failure. The Bucks traded Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen, along with several first-round draft picks, to bring Lillard to Milwaukee in 2023. Fast forward two years, and not only do the Bucks lack a playoff series victory, but they have also released Lillard. While he was a significant offensive asset prior to his Achilles injury, his defensive effort was lacking. Despite Lillard’s talent for hitting clutch shots, this wasn’t sufficient to keep the Bucks competitive. He participated in only 58 games before the injury, leading Milwaukee to judiciously part ways with his sizable contract. The ‘Dame Time’ experience in Milwaukee was brief and ultimately unfruitful.
Milwaukee has also bid farewell to Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton this offseason. Lopez, who spent the last seven seasons alongside Antetokounmpo, was seemingly aging like fine wine, maintaining his effectiveness at 37 years old. His outstanding rim protection was vital for the Bucks, and his consistent three-point shooting created spacing for Antetokounmpo. Connaughton was another long-standing Buck but struggled to find his role off the bench, and a change in surroundings was likely overdue.
On a positive note, Myles Turner has joined the Bucks. It was unexpected to see Turner depart Indiana following their surprising trip to the NBA Finals, and he could seamlessly take Lopez’s place in the paint. Turner is a dominant force inside, allowing Antetokounmpo more freedom to roam defensively. Offensively, Turner matches or exceeds Lopez’s shooting from beyond the arc while maintaining the rebounding and finishing prowess needed to excel in the paint. If Turner can quickly bond with Antetokounmpo, the Bucks could establish themselves as a formidable contender in the East sooner than anticipated.
Milwaukee Bucks Season Outlook
Giannis Antetokounmpo may not have claimed the MVP title last year, but he undeniably ranks among the elite players in the NBA. He led the league in field goals made and free throws attempted last season, averaging an impressive 11.9 rebounds per game. His free-throw percentage of 61.7% curtailed his opportunities in the paint, as opponents opted to send him to the line instead of allowing him to drive. Once Antetokounmpo gains momentum downhill, defenses face the grim choice of fouling him or risking being posterized by one of the league’s most explosive talents.
This season is critical for Antetokounmpo. Trade speculations are rampant around the Greek Freak, and another unremarkable season could mark the end of his Bucks tenure. Milwaukee has excelled at keeping its championship window ajar despite scarce resources, fully aware that this is the reason why Antetokounmpo remains in uniform.
The Bucks’ strength lies in the combination of Turner and Antetokounmpo, but their success will heavily depend on guard performance. Kevin Porter Jr., who joined Milwaukee at last year’s trade deadline, is a promising prospect despite starting only twice. With Lillard no longer in the picture, his role is set to expand, and his scoring ability will be crucial for the team’s success. Kyle Kuzma and Gary Trent Jr. round out a strong starting five, positioning the Bucks for a successful campaign in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee Bucks Schedule Analysis
The Bucks kick off the season with several favorable home games. Out of the first 18 matches, 11 are at Fiserv Forum, featuring clashes against teams like the Wizards, Kings, Bulls, 76ers, Hornets, and Trail Blazers during the opening month. As the holiday season approaches, Milwaukee will face its longest road trip, covering five away games from December 21st to 29th. Additionally, they will confront multiple away games towards the season’s end, with 10 of the last 15 games being on the road.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds
The Bucks have a projected regular season win total set at 42.5, with -215 odds of making the playoffs. These figures suggest that Antetokounmpo is likely staying in Milwaukee, as a midseason trade seems improbable. Under these circumstances, the enticing odds for 45+ wins (+152) and 50+ wins (+410) could be worth considering. Should the Bucks fall short this season, claiming a spot in the play-in tournament at +115 offers better odds than the standard under on their win total. In playoff prospects, the Bucks sit with the 7th-best odds to win the East at +1900, and +6500 odds for clinching the NBA Finals. Clearly, the expectations for Milwaukee rely heavily on Antetokounmpo’s presumed success, yet opportunities for tangible rewards lie within the NBA Cup. They hold +420 odds to win their group, which includes the Knicks (-125), with no serious competition from the Heat, Bulls, or Hornets. Their final NBA Cup group stage match against the Knicks could turn into a decisive showdown.
2025-26 Milwaukee Bucks Predictions and Best Bets
After a series of disappointing seasons, the Bucks’ championship ambitions have fluctuated, but this year could truly allow them to make meaningful progress in the East. With the Eastern Conference significantly weaker compared to the West and many contenders dealing with injuries or underperformance, the Bucks still possess the best player in the conference and are worth considering for long-odds bets. While the 42.5 win total and -215 playoff odds are encouraging, seeking longer odds for season-long bets may yield better returns. The Bucks have secured 45 or more wins for seven consecutive seasons, making bets on 45+ wins at +152 and 50+ at +410 enticing options. Milwaukee has the star power to dominate weaker teams, making these win totals achievable if they can maintain their health.
For our second bet, we advocate for the Bucks to clinch the conference at +1900 odds. With only Cleveland and New York posing serious competition, Milwaukee presents substantial value at +1900 to reach the NBA Finals—a great bet as we head into the new year. If the victories accumulate early, basketball fans will remember just how impactful a driven Antetokounmpo can be.
Pick: Milwaukee Bucks 45+ Wins +152
Top Pick: Milwaukee Bucks 50+ Wins +410
Pick: Milwaukee Bucks to win Eastern Conference +1900
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