Assessing Milwaukee Bucks’ potential first round opponents – Play-in teams
Brooklyn Nets: 8.5
Brooklyn has had a season full of drama, injury, and struggles as they find themselves bound to finish with a play-in spot. Don’t let that distract from Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Anytime you are competing against those two guys, adjustments will be needed. The rest of the Nets team has shaped out into a good supporting cast, so Brooklyn has the tools to make a run when healthy. Ben Simmons is another name to watch, but nothing we have seen suggests that he is going to play.
Injuries and such could be factors once again in this series, you never know, but looking at both these teams in full health, give me Milwaukee. Both Brooklyn and Milwaukee have had defensive struggles this season, but I believe the Nets’ defense will not be able to contain Milwaukee for a whole series. The Bucks need to contain Irving and Durant enough to get the outcome they are looking for in this series. If they can do that successfully, Milwaukee Bucks in six, if not we could see another seven-game battle.
Charlotte Hornets: 5.5
For some reason, it always seems like LaMelo and the Hornets have the date circled when they play Milwaukee in the regular season. The season series was split at two apiece between these teams, but Charlotte ousted us in a tough back-to-back at the start of January. The Hornets have a solid roster with some good veteran players, some great young talent, and their point guard for the future, but I can guarantee they would not be happy about playing us in the first round. They do not seem like they are ready for a series like this. Maybe they take a game because they always seem to be on against us, but the Milwaukee Bucks should close out this series in four or five.