The Milwaukee Bucks enter the 2025 NBA Playoffs as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference and are set to face the Indiana Pacers in the first round.
This will be a rematch of the 2024 playoffs when the Pacers eliminated a depleted Bucks team in the first round. This year is different, though. The Bucks are looking for redemption, although Damian Lillard's status for later in the series is still up in the air due to a blood clot issue in his calf, which has seen significant improvement lately.
With the players available, let's discuss a breakdown of what the Milwaukee Bucks' playoff rotation should look like against the Pacers in the first round.
Possible starting lineup (with Damian Lillard unavailable) for the Bucks
Point guard: Kevin Porter Jr. - With Lillard potentially out for the entire first round, Porter could step into the starting lineup to provide some playmaking and scoring, along with handsy defense and shot creation. Without Lillard, Porter will be critical in running the offense and making wise decisions.
Shooting guard: Gary Trent Jr. - Signed in the offseason as a free agent, Trent offers solid two-way playmaking, as well as handsy defense and perimeter shooting.
Small forward: Kyle Kuzma - Acquired at the NBA Trade Deadline this season, Kuzma brings scoring (although inconsistent shooting) and rebounding to the small forward spot.
Power forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo - He is the team's undisputed leader in all facets and is a beast of a player on both ends of the floor. There is no doubt that he will be the focal point in this series on both ends. Giannis needs to carry over his monster play from the last weeks of the season into this series.
Center: Brook Lopez - The big man has started for the Milwaukee Bucks all season, and that won't change now. They will need him to do his part to keep up with Indiana's quick bigs.
Key bench players for the Bucks
Ryan Rollins - Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Rollins can make an impact due to his hustle, shooting and tough defense. Without Lillard, Rollins' play at the point guard spot will be a crucial aspect of this series.
Bobby Portis - Portis recently returned from a 25-game suspension, and his presence both on and off the court cannot be overstated enough. He is a high-energy player who provides bench scoring, very solid rebounding and most of all, toughness. He is a walking double-double and can play both power forward and center.
Taurean Prince - Although head coach Doc Rivers most likely won't make this move, Prince is a veteran forward who can offer shooting (specifically open corner threes) and size off the bench. His style of play is much more suited to come off the bench, as the Milwaukee Bucks tend to come out of the gate flat and early with Prince in the starting lineup.
AJ Green - Green is a spotty shooter who seems to have found his shot and legs over the last two weeks of the regular season. He can no doubt provide an offensive spark off the bench in both limited and extended minutes for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jericho Sims - Let's not forget about Jericho Sims, who was acquired at the trade deadline and was playing very well before he tore a thumb ligament. He is expected back for Game 1 and will no doubt be inserted into the rotation for his rebounding, defense and screen-setting.
Bucks on the fence of the rotation
Pat Connaughton - Connaughton might have earned his way into the playoff rotation with a career-high 43-point performance in the regular season finale against the Detroit Pistons. He is a versatile guard who can sometimes shoot the ball well, defend decently at times and provide instant energy off the bench.
Andre Jackson Jr. - More than likely, Jackson will not be a part of the playoff rotation, although the second-year guard can still provide defensive intensity, some playmaking and instant energy off the bench when called upon.
The bigger picture for Milwaukee
The health of Damian Lillard is obviously key to the Milwaukee Bucks' success and will most likely determine how far they go in the playoffs. If he can return at some point during the series, it would drastically alter the rotation and provide a significant offensive and scoring boost. He would most likely slot back into the starting point guard role, which would potentially shift Porter back to a bench role or adjust other matchups.
Coach Doc Rivers will likely adjust the rotation accordingly based on how the Pacers play specific matchups. For example, against the Pacers' fast-paced, up and down the court offense, more athletic defenders like Jackson might be inserted for his defensive capabilities.
If the Bucks need more scoring, they might have to lean more on Bobby Portis or even give AJ Green more opportunities for his spot-up shooting. Against the size of Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam, the Bucks will have to rely heavily on the size and physicality of both Portis and Brook Lopez. If more size is required, they could use Kuzma and Prince at times, as we have seen throughout the year.
The Bucks' depth has been somewhat of a question mark this season, mainly due to injuries. The performance of their bench players will be crucial in sustaining leads and providing valuable minutes.
The Milwaukee Bucks' playoff rotation against the Pacers in round one will heavily depend on the health of Damian Lillard. If he is unavailable for the entire series, the team will rely more on Giannis Antetokounmpo's dominance, as well as the contributions of their acquisitions and key bench players. Matchup adjustments and the ability of their role players to step up their play will be crucial for the Bucks to succeed in this first-round series.