The NBA All-Star break has officially begun, and the Milwaukee Bucks needed it.
Banged up and looking to integrate new pieces, the Bucks can use this time to get healthy and start building chemistry as they aim to make a push out of the break. With all of that said, let's break down what you need to know about the Milwaukee Bucks entering the break.
Bucks players in the festivities
The Bucks will have several players in on the All-Star Weekend action. Giannis Antetokounmpo was named to the All-Star Game, but it's been confirmed that he won't play due to injury. However, there will be one Buck still participating, as Damian Lillard will be out there. The guard will also defend his title as the NBA's 3-point champion, going for his third win in a row in the contest.
Also, for the very first time since 2020, the Bucks will have a representative in the Slam Dunk Contest. as Andre Jackson Jr. has accepted an invite. The high-flying wing will compete against Mac McClung, Matas Buzelis and Stephon Castle. Bucks fans are obviously familiar with Jackson, but this will be his chance to introduce himself to the entire NBA world.
Strength of Schedule
Per Tankathon, the Milwaukee Bucks have the seventh-hardest strength of schedule left in the NBA this season. Their toughest matchups include games against the OKC Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets (twice). These will serve as good tests for the Bucks, who could use a few more signature wins against other contenders.
Eastern Conference standings
The Milwaukee Bucks currently occupy the fifth spot in the East at 29-24 and are a full game back from the rival Indiana Pacers. Per the previously-mentioned Tankathon strength of schedule rankings, the Bucks have the toughest schedule left in the Eastern Conference, so if they want to gain ground, they cannot afford any slip-ups when facing playoff teams like Indiana and New York.
Injuries
Once again, injuries have been a key storyline for the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been sidelined since February 2 with a calf strain. The hope is that he can be ready to get back on the court after the All-Star break, but these injuries can be tricky. Of course, Giannis missed the entirety of the NBA Playoffs last season with a calf-related issue, so the Bucks do not want to push it.
Damian Lillard has been battling various ailments, including missing Milwaukee's most recent game against Minnesota with a hamstring issue. Above all else, it feels like Lillard just needed some time to catch his breath. Without Giannis, Lillard has had to play significant minutes to keep this team afloat, averaging 37 per game over his last four. That's not ideal for a 34-year-old. Some rest will be good.
The Milwaukee Bucks need these two All-Stars to be healthy coming out of the break to make a run.
Roster
Following a busy NBA Trade Deadline, there's just one question left regarding Milwaukee's roster, and it revolves around who will take the 15th and final standard spot. Ryan Rollins, currently a two-way key piece for the Bucks, seems like the frontrunner, but the addition of Kevin Porter Jr. makes it far from a guarantee, especially after his most recent impressive performance against the Timberwolves.
The Bucks are seemingly waiting to see who may hit the buyout market over the NBA All-Star break. By the time they return to play, if the market hasn't shifted much and no one who jumps off the page becomes available, it wouldn't be surprising to see them add Rollins full-time for a stretch run. Even if he's taken a step back lately, there is still plenty of potential in tow when it comes to Rollins.
Outlook
Despite their inconsistencies this season, the Milwaukee Bucks can still make a run at a title this year. It all starts with them being healthy. Given that Giannis has been out since the trade deadline, we have yet to see how he fits with the new additions. On paper, every newcomer, particularly Kyle Kuzma, has what it takes to fit, but all that matters is how things actually translate on the basketball court.
Health will also be another determining factor. Injuries have derailed Milwaukee's title hopes time and time again in recent memory. If Antetokounmpo, Lillard and the rest of this roster can stay healthy for the remainder of the season, the sky is the limit for this team. That's why resting and recovering over the next week will be so pivotal for Milwaukee.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.