3 Crucial team X-factors for the Milwaukee Bucks down the stretch
By Dalton Sell
With five games left to go, the Milwaukee Bucks are nearing the conclusion of the regular season, which means the NBA Playoffs are approaching.
This is a key stretch for the Bucks. Not only are they still trying to lock up the top seed in the East and secure homecourt advantage in the playoffs, but they are also looking to get into a rhythm in these last few games before the postseason. If the Bucks will avenge last year’s early postseason exit and make a run at a championship, these three X-factors will be crucial down the stretch and into the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
3 Team X-factors for the Milwaukee Bucks down the stretch – Health
Of course, health is the most important factor for the Bucks. Fans watched the team’s title hopes take a significant blow last year when Khris Middleton went down with an MCL sprain in the first round of the postseason. This season, the Bucks have been hit with various injuries, but they have weathered the storm to this point and are starting to get everyone back in the lineup. To make an actual run at a title, the Bucks need to stay healthy.
Coach Mike Budenholzer and the staff have done a terrific job of managing the minutes of every Buck. Players like Khris Middleton, Jae Crowder, Joe Ingles, and Goran Dragic have dealt with big injuries this season, but they have been eased into things rather than thrown into the fire. While that has caused some impatience from the fanbase at times, it is the right approach, as this team wants everyone on the floor when the lights get bright in the playoffs.
Simply put, health is a significant X-factor for this Bucks team.