The NBA's schedule release wasn't awfully kind to the Bucks, but did give them a golden opportunity just three games into the new season when they will play in Philadelphia against LeBron James and the other 76ers. It'll be a great chance for Milwaukee to show they are being overlooked by the NBA and the general public while facing a highly-anticipated team.
The Bucks can prove themselves early against the 76ers
Milwaukee's two games prior to their Philadelphia matchup aren't too exciting: a game in Washington to begin the season and a home opener against the Bulls. Both teams have some exciting new prospects, but neither made league-altering moves like the 76ers. In fact, both were mostly competing with the Bucks for marginal moves in the offseason.
Playing in Philly on October 24th will be a whole different story. LeBron obviously brings a lot of fanfare of his own, but he's not the only big addition for the 76ers this offseason. They also added Jaylen Brown, a former Finals MVP in his own right who's coming off a career-best season. Both have championship aspirations for next season and get to team up with stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
The only concern for Bucks fans from an entertainment standpoint would be Embiid or LeBron sitting out against their team to load manage. But the game is so early in the season that both would probably prefer to work out their on-court chemistry rather than resting to avoid injuries. Future matchups between the Bucks and 76ers are at risk of long injury reports, but the first one should have a relatively clean sheet.
Milwaukee doesn't need a win to make a statement
The Bucks can succeed against the 76ers without necessarily winning. Since the Bucks sent out Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason and didn't add any stars outside of his trade package, they are being projected as a bottom-feeder in the East next season. However, pushing the 76ers early on will show other teams that Milwaukee isn't a cakewalk.
After the eventful offseason, the Bucks have a deep roster with a mix of credible veterans and intriguing prospects. Their main focus next season should be developing their younger players, but they still have plenty of established guys with a chip on their shoulders. Players like Tyler Herro, Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner will be looking to flip the common narratives surrounding them as losing players.
Even in a revamped Eastern conference, the Bucks can still prove to be a tough out by playing hard and leaning into their strengths each night. They won't be in championship contention, but they can easily exceed expectations and prove everyone wrong. The path to that satisfaction will begin in their first game against the 76ers.
Add us as a preferred source on Google