The Milwaukee Bucks will not resume play until Friday following the NBA All-Star break. They are currently riding a 12-game win streak and, at 41-17, are just 0.5 games behind the Boston Celtics for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Of course, getting the top seed in the East is a great goal. However, the Bucks have a much greater goal in mind: winning the NBA Finals.
The Milwaukee Bucks Odds of Winning a Championship Now that the All-Star Game Is Over
The NBA All-Star Game was preceded by the trade deadline which saw a great deal of movement of NBA star players. Notably, Kevin Durant was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns. The Nets also traded Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks. Milwaukee acquired Jae Crowder, who had long been linked to the team since his refusal to play for the Suns this season. Now that the dust surrounding the deadline and All-Star break has settled, there are new odds out for each team’s chances of winning the championship this year. Below are the top seven:
- Boston Celtics (+275)
- Phoenix Suns (+425)
- Milwaukee Bucks (+600)
- Denver Nuggets (+800)
- Los Angeles Clippers (+900)
- Philadelphia 76ers (+1100)
- Dallas Mavericks (+1600)
Keys to the Milwaukee Bucks Winning Another Championship
When one looks at this Bucks roster, one sees that it is built for postseason competition. The team has the ability to play sound fundamental basketball, but has struggled with foolish turnovers and inconsistent shooting at times this season. That being said, Milwaukee boasts one of the best defensive teams in the NBA and leads the league in rebounds. As the saying goes, “defense wins championships” and the Bucks have shown their defense is up to the task.
This aspect of their game will undoubtedly be helped further by the acquisition of Crowder. Like PJ Tucker in 2020-21, Crowder brings an edge to the team that it otherwise had been missing. In a close, hard-fought series, this edge could very well spell the difference between winning and losing.
Perhaps, though, the biggest key to the Bucks being able to win their second title in three years is the health of the team. Khris Middleton finally started playing more like his old self in limited minutes off of the bench leading up to the All-Star break. Bobby Portis should be returning soon from a sprained ankle and knee that kept him out for weeks leading up to the break. Giannis Antetokounmpo is getting more tests done on his sprained wrist this week, which hopefully will not keep him out long or affect his play.
One needs to remember that the Bucks have not lost a playoff series in which Jrue Holiday, Middleton, and Giannis have all been able to play. If the Bucks can get to the playoffs healthy, regardless of what seed they have, they have an excellent chance of winning it all.
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FAQs
When Was the Last Time Milwaukee Bucks Won a Championship?
The Milwaukee Bucks’ latest NBA Championship was captured in 2021. Giannis Antetokounmpo was dubbed MVP, averaging 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game.
Who Owns the Milwaukee Bucks?
The Milwaukee Bucks are owned by a group of 20 investors. Major investors include Marc Lasry, Wes Edens, Jamie Dinan and Mike Fascitelli. Minority owners range from quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Gale Klappa, Executive Chairman of Wisconsin Energy Corporation.
How Many Championships Do the Milwaukee Bucks Have?
The Milwaukee Bucks have won two NBA Championships. The first came in 1971 under head coach Larry Costello. The latest came in 2021 under head coach Mike Budenholder.
Will the Milwaukee Bucks win the NBA Championship in 2023?
With another MVP-caliber season from Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks continue to lead the Eastern Conference Central Division. Kris Middleton is getting healthy and Brook Lopez is having a career year – signaling the Milwaukee will make another run at the championship in 2023.
Who Is the Greek Freak?
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the Greek Freak. He was given the name based on his home country, Greece, plus his freakish size and athleticism for an NBA power forward.
