Milwaukee Bucks: 3 bold predictions for the defending champs in 2021-22

Bold prediction No. 3 — The Milwaukee Bucks will go back-to-back as champions in 2021-22

Everyone counted the Bucks out as a title contender last season, and they have already started doing so before this one.

The elephant in the room is the Brooklyn Nets, who are the current betting favorite for many as they look to bounce back from a second round loss to the Bucks. The Nets were decimated by injuries last season, scarcely playing with their star-studded trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden at all. After it seemed like they were finally healthy in the playoffs, they had that group together for less than one minute against the Bucks. They will likely be back healthy next season, and they will arguably be Milwaukee’s biggest challenger.

Other tough opponents within the conference included the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers. The Heat added a big piece this offseason in Kyle Lowry to form a star trio of their very own with Lowry, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo. Of course, the Heat also signed P.J. Tucker away from the Bucks, a move that will sting for the foreseeable future. Despite their collapse in the Semifinals last year, the 76ers are still a great team. They were the East’s top seed and had an MVP finalist in Joel Embiid, and despite the ongoing rumors surrounding Ben Simmons and a possible trade, that team will be good next year.

These are just a few of the teams that will be looking to dethrone the Bucks next season, but despite that tall order, this team should not be counted out just yet. They also have one of the best trios in the league with Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Holiday while boasting a retooled bench and a two-time Coach of the Year. It will not be easy, and they will certainly not be favored to do it, but this team can undoubtedly go back-to-back and secure another championship.

Keep an eye on these predictions as the 2021-22 NBA season inches closer.