Just like winning the Eastern Conference in the NBA next season, the Boston Celtics are favored too to win the championship. Unfortunately, a poll conducted by ESPN has revealed that the Milwaukee Bucks aren’t projected to get that far next season.
The Bucks faced challenges in the 2023-24 season, highlighted by a mid-season coaching change after a promising start. Despite acquiring star guard Damian Lillard, the team struggled down the stretch and was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers, hampered by injuries to both Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, the Bucks aim for better continuity and performance under head coach Doc Rivers. The season opener is set against the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Bucks are positioned as contenders in the Eastern Conference, potentially in a race with the Sixers and the Boston Celtics for a top playoff seed.
Key matchups include games against the Celtics, who boast a formidable lineup with stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and the 76ers, now enhanced by offseason additions like Paul George. These contests could serve as previews for the playoffs, particularly if the Bucks can effectively navigate the challenges posed by these teams.
NBA Poll Reveals Boston Celtics As Favorites Tin 2024-25 Title, Not Milwaukee Bucks
Similar to a prediction that Milwaukee won’t win the East, there’s another poll that shows the Celtics as the favored team to win the championship next season and not the Bucks. This can be seen in an article written by Tim Bontemps for ESPN.
“Boston Celtics: 8
Oklahoma City Thunder: 7
Dallas Mavericks: 1
Milwaukee Bucks: 1
Minnesota Timberwolves: 1Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, the 2021 champions, have failed to reach the second round in the past two seasons, but Milwaukee is hoping Year 2 of the Giannis-Damian Lillard partnership can deliver a title,” Bontemps wrote.
While the roster features top talents like Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and Khris Middleton, concerns about their fit and the latter’s injury history lingering. The Bucks also need to bolster their wing depth to compete effectively against their rivals.
With a projected record of 52-30, the Bucks are expected to make the playoffs but still face uncertainty regarding their championship potential. If the team can overcome these obstacles and achieve cohesion, they might emerge as serious contenders in the East.
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