Milwaukee Bucks: Scouting the Eastern Conference Competition

Jan 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) drives against Milwaukee Bucks small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Bucks 100-88. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) drives against Milwaukee Bucks small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Bucks 100-88. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Takeaways

From looking at those mentioned above, it should seem clear that the Eastern Conference’s playoff picture is wholly built upon uncertainty and foreign territory, or at least those contending teams most relevant to the Milwaukee Bucks are.

I discussed last week that the Central Division would not necessarily see a lot of upheaval or drastic change; most of its member teams should stand to improve upon their previous campaign, including the Bucks.

The rest of the conference, for the most part, projects to finish differently than last year. Many teams who did not make the playoffs in 2015-2016, including those I talked about, should be considered as legitimate threats to take someone’s spot in this upcoming season.

For what it’s worth, ESPN predicts 41 wins and a seventh place finish for the Bucks next year, leaving them with a very low margin for error. A slow start akin to last year could sink Milwaukee’s playoff chances from the start, or any rough patch could dig a hole that is impossible to climb out of.

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As the numbers show, Milwaukee Bucks fans should have every reason to feel excited regarding the direction of the team, and with luck, this hope will translate into success on the court next season.