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OKC Thunder: Analyzing stretch run schedules with view to seeding

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 26: Anthony Davis
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 26: Anthony Davis /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – MARCH 25: Giannis Antetokounmpo
MILWAUKEE, WI – MARCH 25: Giannis Antetokounmpo /

Milwaukee Bucks:

If the Pacers are the feel good team of the season, it’s arguably fair to call the Bucks the disappointment (with the Pistons and Hornets not far behind).  Giannis Antetokounmpo does his part but finding consistent running mates has been problematic.

While the Bucks haven’t lived up to expectations they could be an extremely tough out especially if Malcolm Brogdon and Matthew Dellavedova return.

The other factor is last season the Bucks ranked 19th on defense, but were allowed to clutch and grab in the first round as if they were the top ranked defenders. Even Utah didn’t go that route.

Odds are Miami will get the same leeway. Which is a potential problem for likely first round opponents the Raptors and Celtics. The key will be making sure the whistle respects the offense equally or it could make for an extremely low scoring series.

Remaining schedule includes:

  • Start of road trip at Los Angeles Clippers, Tuesday 27
  • At Golden State Warriors, Thursday 29
  • At Los Angeles Lakers,    Friday 30
  • Last game of road trip at Denver Nuggets, Sunday, April 1
  • Boston Celtics, Tuesday 3
  • Brooklyn Nets, Thursday 5
  • At New York Knicks, Saturday 7
  • Orlando Magic, Monday 9
  • At Philadelphia 76ers, Wednesday 11

Milwaukee have nine games remaining with six on the road, five contending teams and one back to back set left.

The Bucks also chose to go the route of adding veteran talent via Brandon Jennings and Shabazz Muhammad.  This team has seemed off all season and feels like it needs a face lift to surround Giannis with the appropriate talent since the players he’s paired with don’t seem to be the right mix. Perhaps an early exit via a sweep or five games at the hands of the Raptors or undermanned Celtics would expedite the process. Don’t read this as anti-Bucks sentiment, it just feels like Giannis needs a better supporting cast , so he can take the next step.

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