The Milwaukee Bucks' playoff odds took a significant hit after squandering a double-digit lead to the Chicago Bulls on Sunday. However, they aren't dead just yet, even if things seem grim. Per Tankathon, the Bucks have the 23rd most difficult schedule remaining in the NBA this season. If they get their act together, this team can absolutely find itself on the big stage.
Bucks have schedule advantage over other Play-In squads
The four teams currently in Play-In Tournament position are Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, and Charlotte. Orlando has the 22nd most difficult schedule. Miami is at 21. While not impossible, the Bucks' odds of catching either of them are slim. Instead, they will be looking to leapfrog the Hawks or Hornets, who are within striking distance.
Atlanta has the 19th-most difficult schedule remaining as they sit 3.5 games ahead of the Bucks in the standings. The Bucks and Hawks will meet two more times this regular season, and it feels like a given that Milwaukee needs those games if they want to have any chance of surpassing Atlanta. It's a great opportunity to make up some ground.
Charlotte, who sits three games above Milwaukee, meanwhile, has the ninth-most difficult schedule remaining this season. They've been playing good basketball lately, but games against top teams like Boston, Detroit, and San Antonio will put them to the test. If the Hornets find themselves free-falling, the Milwaukee Bucks will have a chance to steal the 10th seed from their grasp.
Bucks need help and to handle their own business
The Bucks cannot just bank on teams continuing to lose. They also need to win their own games if they want to sneak into the playoffs. Prior to Sunday's devastating collapse against the Bulls, a team below them in the standings, they were doing a solid job. Hopefully that outing is just a bump in the road after a solid 8-4 month of February.
There are signs of a good team in Milwaukee. Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins were playing elite-level basketball before the Bulls game. Jericho Sims has been a monster on the glass. Cam Thomas has the ability to get hot whenever. To top it off, Giannis Antetokounmpo should be back soon. The hope is all there, but it's going to take a lot more than hope to pull this one off.
March started off rough for the Milwaukee Bucks, but hopefully it served as a needed wake-up call.
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