The Milwaukee Bucks were one of the teams under the most pressure this offseason to improve their roster. When you have a generational talent like Giannis Antetokounmpo, you need to make sure you have a team ready to compete for a championship. After three consecutive first-round exits, the Bucks made some drastic changes, hoping to improve their present and future. But will that be enough? We will have to wait and see.
Five Early Tests for Giannis and the Bucks’ Future
The NBA has recently released the full schedule for all teams. However, we will focus on some early games and tests for the Milwaukee Bucks. These games should show whether the changes they made in the offseason can improve their chances to compete for a title. Giannis and his future will definitely be a topic for teams and executives around the league. If the Bucks start slow, like they did last season, the rumors around his future will only gain more momentum. Here are five early games for Bucks fans to watch closely.
October 26th, at Cleveland
The Bucks have a five-game losing streak against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They lost all games against the Cavs last season. Cleveland finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference, but they didn’t make the Finals. The Bucks will play the Cavs in the first week of the new season. And in Cleveland, nevertheless. Milwaukee hasn’t won in Cleveland since December 2023. If the Bucks are serious about competing, this will be their first and early test.
October 29th, vs. New York
The Bucks have a tough schedule to start the season. In their first four games, they play two of the biggest favorites to win the Eastern Conference. The good news is their game against the New York Knicks is at home. The bad news is they have a five-game losing streak against the Knicks. In one game last season, New York won by 34 points. That is unacceptable for a team with Giannis that hopes to compete for a championship title. The Knicks–Bucks game will be nationally televised on NBC and Peacock. It would be nice for the Bucks to claim a victory and show they are a better team than last season.
November 9th, vs. Houston
The Houston Rockets finished with the second-best record in the Western Conference last season. And then they added Kevin Durant. The Rockets have some of the best defenders in the league, and overall, they are a great defensive team. For the last three seasons, the Bucks and the Rockets have split the season series, with the home team always claiming victory. Will that streak continue?
November 16th, vs. Los Angeles Lakers
As long as LeBron James is playing, the matchup with the Lakers will be a great one. Giannis always brings extra energy when competing against the King. LeBron has an edge in the matchup, winning 17 of the 23 games they have played against each other. Add in Luka Doncic, who is now in great shape and should be an MVP candidate, and you have a classic showdown of stars.
December 22nd, at Minnesota
After two months of basketball, we should have a better idea of how good the new-look Milwaukee Bucks will be. The game in Minnesota will be a great test to see how they can handle a road game against a playoff contender. The Minnesota Timberwolves also have their own MVP candidate in Anthony Edwards. The Timbewolves have made the Western Conference Finals two years in a row. They are a worthy opponent for sure.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The post Five Early Tests for Giannis and the Bucks’ Future appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.