It was far from their prettiest stretch of basketball, but the Milwaukee Bucks have finally made it to the NBA All-Star break with a 29-24 record.
Given their overall record, it's clear that this team has plenty to clean up when they return to action if they want to reach their ceiling as a contender. They certainly have the pieces, but there are plenty of question marks looming. That said, let us analyze five of the most prominent uncertainties that could end up making or breaking Milwaukee's season.
How healthy will the Bucks be after the break?
Injuries have been an issue for the Milwaukee Bucks for years now, and that hasn't changed this year. Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the last several games before the break due to a calf strain, and the Bucks were also without Damian Lillard for their recent contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a hamstring injury. Obviously, the Bucks need these two to be healthy.
Hopefully the break gives every Buck a chance to recharge and come out of the break ready to play. Lingering injuries could wreak plenty of havoc on Milwaukee's chances of making a late-season run and winning it all. This inconsistent team needs to establish a rhythm and work their way up in the East standings, which starts with having the top two stars on the floor.
How will Kyle Kuzma and Giannis Antetokounmpo fit?
Given his injury, Giannis Antetokounmpo has yet to share the floor with Kyle Kuzma, who came over in a trade deadline deal involving Khris Middleton. While he's still finding his footing, Kuzma has fit in well with the Bucks during his first four games for the most part, but the thing that matters the most at the end of the day is how well he will pair with Giannis.
The biggest concern is the perimeter shooting, as Kuzma has knocked down just 22.2 percent of his outside shots in a Bucks uniform. Giannis thrives with floor spacing, so this may cause a clunky fit if neither player can shoot. However, even then, Antetokounmpo-Kuzma lineups have the potential to give the Bucks needed athleticism, speed and versatility.
Doc Rivers has already confirmed that Kuzma will start alongside Giannis when they are both back in the lineup, so this will be a make-or-break paring for the Milwaukee Bucks.
When will Doc Rivers give Jericho Sims a chance?
Speaking of Doc Rivers, everyone is waiting for him to finally give Jericho Sims a chance. For several months now, it was clear that the Milwaukee Bucks needed an athletic big man to give them a needed boost in the frontcourt, and Jon Horst gifted Rivers that in the form of Sims. However, since landing in Milwaukee, Sims has yet to take the court for the Bucks.
Even if it's in small spurts, it's obvious that Sims needs minutes. Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez simply lack the needed mobility and athleticism to keep up with young teams. Opposing big men have given the Bucks trouble lately due to this predicament. Unless Portis and Lopez magically increase their athletic ability over the break, this issue will likely continue. Sims at least needs a chance.
Is Kevin Porter Jr. the new backup point guard?
Kevin Porter Jr. may have very well just stolen the backup point guard mantle from Ryan Rollins in the Bucks' last game. In just his second game since coming over in a trade, Porter flexed his ability to do it all when he's on the floor. He played tough defense, rebounded with a purpose, facilitated and buried the biggest shot of the game to tie things up in the clutch. He's got the chops to be an impact piece.
Rollins started the season off hot, but he's cooled down over the last several weeks, including with a 2-of-12 shooting performance against Minnesota. Rollins can certainly still help this team, but as the backup to Damian Lillard, many may argue that Porter is the better player. After his strong showing against the Timberwolves, it wouldn't be surprising if the job now belonged to Porter.
Who gets the final roster spot?
The Milwaukee Bucks currently employ 14 players with standard contracts, allowing them to add one more to fill out the roster. While it initially felt like Ryan Rollins, currently on a two-way deal, would earn the spot, the addition of Kevin Porter Jr. has seemingly made that a trickier decision. Rollins could still earn it, but it feels like the Bucks are holding out to see if anyone else becomes available first.
Very rarely do teams add a legitimate difference-maker via the buyout market, but depending on who hits the market, the Milwaukee Bucks could add some needed depth. Behind Taurean Prince, there is very little small forward depth on this roster, so another one of those wouldn't hurt. It still feels like the most obvious candidate is Rollins, but it's far from a guarantee.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.