Since returning from the NBA All-Star break, the Milwaukee Bucks have been on a roller coaster ride, winning their first six games before dropping their last two.
Though the returns are largely positive, one complaint fans have had about the Bucks lately is some of the rotations Doc Rivers is rolling with. One particular lineup combination caught the attention of "X" user @Gintama_stan, highlighting just how poorly it has worked out for the Bucks thus far.
The 5 man lineup of Pat Bev-Pat C-Bobby- Gallo-Giannis has a -38.3 net rating (107 ortg and 146.2 drtg)
— Henny (@Gintama_stan) March 9, 2024
1 Milwaukee Bucks lineup combination Doc Rivers should not touch again
Among all of Milwaukee's five-man lineups to log at least 20 minutes, the group of Patrick Beverley, Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis, Danilo Gallinari and Giannis Antetokounmpo has the worst net rating at -38.3. The next worst is -34.2. Statistically, this group is tied for the worst defensive lineup the team has utilized, with an ugly defensive rating of 142.6.
This five-man lineup is tied for the 10th worst defensive rating in the NBA among those with at least 20 minutes this season.
It's not surprising that this lineup struggles mightily defensively. Antetokounmpo and Beverley can play defense, but the other three, not so much. While he's shown glimpses, Connaughton has lost a step defensively this season. Portis and Gallinari are two big men who have never been known for their defensive output and can be targeted when they are on the court together.
The offense isn't the best either among this unit. Antetokounmpo can put points on the scoreboard, and Portis has been much better lately, but the other three pose question marks. Connaughton can have a night as he did against the Los Angeles Lakers when he put up 17 off of the bench, but he can also struggle mightily as he has for much of the season. He's an unknown.
Beverley is much more known for his defense, so he's not going to put up high-scoring performances on a nightly basis, which is expected. Meanwhile, Gallinari has failed to have the offensive impact that most hoped he could, as he's averaging a whopping 1.8 points per game in his eight appearances as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.
No one would be too mad if the Bucks went away from using this lineup combination moving forward.
As many Bucks fans pointed out, Milwaukee could soon substitute Khris Middleton in this lineup over Gallinari, which would certainly help improve it. Middleton has yet to play following the All-Star break as he recovers from an ankle injury, prompting the team to use Gallinari in his absence. Upon making his return, Middleton will likely eat up Gallinari's minutes.
Any lineup with four bench players could put the Bucks at a disadvantage, but Middleton's eventual return to the team's lineup should help them lessen those combinations moving forward.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.