Things are gloomy for the Milwaukee Bucks, who dropped to a vile 18-26 and are set to be without star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo for over a month. Now, as Milwaukee's playoff hopes sit on life support, the team is going to fight against the odds and try to make a run. If there was ever a reason to give them a puncher's chance, it's because they have a fairly soft schedule coming up.
The Bucks must capitalize on NBA's 20th-hardest schedule
Per Tankathon, Milwaukee's schedule ranks 20th in terms of strength of schedule the rest of the way. While they have games against formidable foes like OKC, Detroit, and San Antonio, as well as three vs. Boston, they also have multiple meetings left with fellow struggling teams like New Orleans, Indiana, Brooklyn, and Utah. If they can get hot, the Bucks can certainly climb in the standings.
Now, the soft schedule doesn't guarantee the Bucks will make the postseason. It's well documented that they've already lost to Washington twice and took a 45-point beating from Brooklyn this season. The Bucks are closer to those teams than they are to the giants like the Thunder or Pistons. However, having a soft schedule at least provides some hope.
If the Milwaukee Bucks want Giannis to come back to something positive and not rush himself back after yet another calf injury, they need to turn the tide in his absence.
Can they do that under Doc Rivers? That's the question, but with the team seemingly firm that he isn't going anywhere, they will have to try. It will be interesting to see if Giannis' injury will alter Milwaukee's stance at the trade deadline. Will they still be aggressive? Are their most valuable assets on the table? Will they aim to hold off and gather their assets for a move in the summer? There's no clear answer.
One thing is for sure, though, and that's that Milwaukee's odds of digging themselves out of this hole with the current roster are slim. The Bucks can have all the belief in the world in their roster, but there simply haven't been many positives to take away from their effort this season. A trade or two to get some new blood in the fold could be what this team needs.
It all starts with Milwaukee's next game against Dallas on Sunday night. All hands on deck.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks.