2023 Milwaukee Bucks Predictions with Futures Odds and Expert NBA Picks
The Milwaukee Bucks got shocked in the first round by the eventual Eastern Conference Champions, losing to the Miami Heat 4-1. They wasted no time retooling their roster, adding perennial superstar Damian Lillard to create a deadly duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Entering the season as title favorites, can the Bucks live up to the expectations, or will it be another short postseason for Antetokounmpo and the Bucks?
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Milwaukee Bucks Offseason Recap
They got Damian Lillard. The Bucks made the biggest move of the offseason, luring Damian Lillard away from the Trail Blazers after he spent 11 seasons in Portland. Lillard instantly shoots the Bucks to the top of the league’s power rankings, surpassing the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets. Damian Lillard is known for taking over games late, something Antetokounmpo has struggled with. It is difficult to forget the sight of one of the league’s greatest players desperately trying to pass the ball away in the dying seconds of the season, as he was scared to go to the free throw line. Once the clock hits ‘Dame Time’, the Bucks will be in safe hands with Lillard patrolling the point.
After their early postseason exit, the Bucks immediately fired Mike Budenholzer in favor of Adrian Griffin. Budenholzer brought Milwaukee their first championship in 50 years but ended on rocky terms with the franchise. Griffin brings a level of determination with him to Milwaukee and is the perfect man to lead their upcoming title charge.
While the Bucks certainly got better with Lillard, they lost a majority of their key role players in the offseason. Jrue Holiday was instrumental during their 2021 championship, and his departure from the Lillard trade will hurt them on defense. Grayson Allen was also sacrificed in exchange for Lillard, leaving the Bucks without two of their previous starting five.
They were able to shore up their depth, with several crafty, cheap signings. Malik Beasley will slot straight into the starting lineup and will be a menace on the defensive end. AJ Green and Cameron Payne will serve as quality backups in the backcourt, and Green’s connection with Griffin could lead to his replacement of Beasley in the starting lineup.
Overall, the Bucks undoubtedly got better and were able to satisfy their superstar’s craving for another ring. Antetokounmpo only has himself to blame if he can’t lead this lineup to a second championship, as expectations are sky high in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Bucks Season Expectations
Anything short of a title will be seen as a failure for the Bucks. They’ve gone all-in in an attempt to create a dynasty in Milwaukee, and they have all the building blocks to do just that. In the regular season, they have the league’s highest win total of 55.5 wins and are a mere +130 to finish atop the Eastern Conference. There is no doubt that the Bucks can secure home court advantage, as they’ve finished atop the East in 3 of the last 5 seasons, including last year’s 58-win campaign. Lillard and Antetokounmpo will create the most devastating big and small duo since Kobe and Shaq and have the potential to take over a game anytime they step on the court together. Solid veterans such as Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez will join them for 28+ minutes a game and will provide a sense of stability a rapidly shifting roster requires.
Milwaukee Bucks Schedule Recap
The Bucks open up the year with a marquee matchup against the 76ers, which is the first of a 3-game home stand to kick things off. There is no doubt where the easiest set of games lie, as the Bucks have a 3+ week span to start off December, where they play just 7 games, all of which are at home. Matchups against the Hawks, Bulls, Pacers, Pistons, Rockets, Spurs, and Magic could allow the Bucks to match their 16-game win streak they posted last year. A lengthy stretch of easy home games before a busy holiday schedule is exactly what the Bucks need to recuperate after a flurry of games in late November.
Milwaukee Bucks Odds
The Bucks don’t have the upside compared to other franchises this season, purely because the bar is already so high for their success. They sport the league’s highest win total and own the best odds to lift not only the championship, but the in-season tournament to go along with it. The +350 odds for a title are the shortest we’ve seen since the Warriors dynasty and don’t leave much room for money to be made. However, their +750 odds to win the in-season tournament are much more appealing. The nature of the tournament means that even one bad game will result in a team's elimination, but this price is irresistible for the Bucks. They are -120 to top their group featuring the Heat, Knicks, Hornets, and Wizards, and will need to win just 3 more games after that. They will likely be favorites in each matchup, which will leave plenty of room for hedging if things start to go south.
2023-24 Season Predictions
It’s hard to argue that the Bucks deserve to be the title favorites, as their dramatic roster overhaul has them in a great position to take home the crown. I expect another dominant regular season from Milwaukee. And barring a long-term injury, they should be able to eclipse their total of 55.5 wins, with a 57-25 record. Antetokounmpo is unstoppable other than during late game situations, and they now have Lillard to step up when they need it most. This duo could quickly go down as one of the greatest of all time, but they first have to win the championship to earn that title.
At +350 odds, I just can’t rationalize a bet on the Bucks. At the start of the postseason, it’s hard to imagine these odds getting much shorter, so there isn’t much of a point in locking up the bankroll for an extended period of time. However, the odds on their in-season tournament title at +750 are too good to pass up. The Bucks will be eager to take home the inaugural championship, and the cutthroat nature of the tournament is exactly when their veteran squad can shine. They might take home both trophies. However, considering the odds, the tournament is the much better bet for this great Milwaukee squad.
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