5 Flaws that could crush the Milwaukee Bucks' playoff hopes

1. Perimeter defense

The Bucks annually had one of the best defenses in the NBA under head coach Mike Budenholzer. Jrue Holiday was first-team All-Defense two out of the last three years with Giannis and Brook Lopez both serving as elite frontcourt options. It was tough to score on the Bucks, which resulted in tons of wins and a championship in 2021.

With Budenholzer and Holiday gone, their defense has slumped. The Bucks are currently 18th in defensive rating this season. It has improved to 14th under Doc Rivers, but Milwaukee won just 13 of their first 24 contests with the veteran head coach. They just do not have the personnel to be a top defense for an extended stretch.

Malik Beasley is being asked to play a 3-and-D wing role, but he struggles to defend on the perimeter. Damian Lillard is an undersized guard who will be hunted in the playoffs. Lopez and Giannis will be waiting on the backline, but it may not be enough to cover their perimeter woes.

The Bucks desperately need Khris Middleton to be their playoff stopper. He can focus most of his energy on defense as Dame and Giannis take over on offense. Middleton can play stout defense when fully healthy, but he may never reach that point this season.

The Milwaukee Bucks have flaws that could crush their title aspirations. No team wants to face them in the playoffs, but that does not mean the franchise will win it all. The stretch run will be exhilarating to watch, so please tune in and enjoy.