Milwaukee Bucks Last Season Performance
The defending world champion finished in the third position in the Eastern Conference standings with a 51-31 record. The Bucks defeated the Bulls in the first round of the semifinals to face the Boston Celtics. After a challenging seven-game series, the Celtics took down Boston in Game 7 with an impressive 109-81 victory.
The Bucks’ regular season was up and down. On the bright side, the Big 3 delivered solid performances, achieved career highs, and proved throughout the season how strong they are.
First, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered epic performances on both ends of the floor, he was consistent, and his scoring record was on point. The Greek Freak became the franchise’s All-Time Scoring Leader, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabar. Also, the NBA chose him by unanimous selection to the 2021-22 Kia All-NBA First Team.
In addition, Jrue Holiday was an offensive monster last season; he continuously proved he is one of the best point guards in the league. Also, he improved on the defensive end by forcing turnovers and hounding opposing ball-handlers. Moreover, his scoring contributed to the team’s success.
Last, Khris Middleton, who is the second-best man on the team, played successfully for 66 games in the regular season; he averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. Unfortunately, the Bucks ruled out Middleton to the Celtics playoff series due to a knee injury he suffered in Game 2 of the first round versus the Chicago Bulls.
Bucks’ sixth man Bobby Portis had an impressive second season with Milwaukee. He reached his career bests by averaging 14.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.8 three-point shots made per game. Portis is now a fans’ favorite.
On the lowlights end, the Bucks didn’t become back-to-back champions last season partly due to the injuries their critical players encountered and the heavyweight this put into the active players.
Middleton’s surgery and Brook Lopez’s five-month absence were critical losses. However, Lopez’s had a grander impact as the center is an outstanding rim protector.
Milwaukee Bucks Offseason Changes
Milwaukee Bucks have done a handful of offseason moves in preparation for the upcoming campaign; however, it is noteworthy to mention they are faithful to their core. Milwaukee will keep Giannis Antetokunmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez.
Furthermore, the Bucks kept all of their free agents. They re-signed Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton. Wesley Matthews and Serge Ibaka re-signed unrestricted contracts for one year, and Jevon Carter returned on a two-year deal.
In addition, they signed forward-guard Joe Ingles from the Utah Jazz in free agency.
The Bucks extended a qualifying offer to Jordan Nwora, and Thanasis Antetokounmpo exercised his option to remain part of the Bucks’ lineup.
Moreover, Milwaukee selected MarJon Beauchamp with the 24th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Also, they acquired the draft rights to Hugo Besson from Indiana.
Milwaukee Bucks Key Additions
While the Bucks did not make any significant offseason moves, the addition of Joe Ingles and re-signing of Bobby Portis in free agency are the top changes the Bucks accomplished for the 2022-23 campaign.
Some basketball experts and enthusiasts qualified Joe Ingles’ addition as a not-so-clever off-season movement since the forward-guard has an ACL injury in his left knee that requires surgery and won’t be available until mid-December.
Nonetheless, the Bucks might be looking for Ingles’ contribution to the postseason. The veteran has five playoff runs of experience with the Jazz. While Ingles is consistent, reliable, and has a solid defense in the regular season, he has proved his numbers slightly improve in the postseason.
In Bobby Portis’ end, he filled for Brook Lopez’s absence. He got heavy minutes on the court and contributed to the Bucks’ much-needed scoring. Milwaukee’s big man proved he is a reliable and trusting player the Bucks can count on off the bench.
In addition, Portis has expressed that his biggest aspiration for the upcoming campaign is to become Milwaukee’s Sixth Man – A role he has fully embraced since last season – He finished in the ninth position in the award voting.
Milwaukee Bucks Key Substractions
Guard Donte DiVincenzo left the Bucks in a multi-trade that finalized in the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors acquiring the guard.
Milwaukee Bucks Coach Analysis
In his first season under Coach Mike Budenholzer’s lead, the Bucks won their first playoff series and made it to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2001. Also, he led Milwaukee to a 60-win record, the team’s third most in the franchise history.
In the 2018-19 season, Coach Bud received the Coach of the Year Award for the team’s success.
Moreover, in the 2020-21 season, the Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA Championship. Their first title in 50 years.
Coach Bud has led Milwaukee for four seasons; his patience and coaching strategies positively transformed the team’s culture. Since he leads the Bucks, the team’s dynamic has improved drastically.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Prediction for the 2022-23 Season
The Sportsbook has the Milwaukee Bucks at +750 to win the NBA Championship, followed by +300 to win the Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee has strengthened its core by not making sudden changes. In addition, the Bucks’ offseason moves brought depth to the team’s lineup. They have a strong bench, vast playoff experience, and a back-to-back MVP as their leader.
Moreover, they are a great team to bet on player props and regular season matchups. Also, they are NBA title contenders, and IF their core remains healthy, they’ll make it to the postseason.
They are a great team to look for the end of the regular season awards. Betting on any type of the Milwaukee Bucks’ wagers will pay off.
Milwaukee Bucks FAQ
- When was the last chance the Milwaukee Bucks made the playoffs?
The Bucks made it to the playoffs for the last time in 2022. They reached the Eastern Conference semifinals to face the Boston Celtics; the C’s defeated Milwaukee in the second round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs.
- Do the Milwaukee Bucks have a chance of winning the Eastern Conference title?
The Bucks are the second favorite to win the Eastern Conference at +300 at the time of writing. Milwaukee should be healthy and available to win their conference.
- Do the Milwaukee Bucks have a chance to win another NBA championship?
The Bucks are NBA title contenders and a favorite to win the 2023 NBA title. However, they will only have a real chance to win the title if their roster remains healthy throughout the regular season and plays consistently. If injuries remained under control, they could reach the postseason and have a chance to play at the finals.
Now, the Bucks must play strong against KD’s Nets and the second-best team in the association, the Boston Celtics. Last season, they struggled against both teams, but their lineup is more powerful and more experienced now.
- Will Giannis Antetokounmpo win the 2023 MVP?
The sportsbook has Giannis as the third favorite to win the 2023 MVP award. In addition, an ESPN panel predicts that The Greek Freak will win his third MVP Award this upcoming season.
Antetokoumpo is the Bucks’ All-Time Leading Scoring; he is strong, athletic, and has playoff experience. There is no reason to believe Giannis won’t have a remarkable season and get his third MVP award.
