Most teams in the Eastern Conference are back to zero after a poor end to their season, most especially the injury to their star players. Milwaukee Bucks is in the same situation but looks like the climb to being a legit contender again will be a tough one.
Milwaukee Bucks, Doc Rivers, Taylor Jenkins
Mar 26, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Sportsbookies are not that bullish about the Bucks’ 2025-26 season, placing them sixth on the list of teams that can claim the East. This ranking comes after the team were designated as a play-in team by ESPN in its latest team Power Rankings.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently the favorites to win the East next season, per @BovadaOfficial
Cleveland Cavaliers: +250
New York Knicks: +275
Boston Celtics: +600
Orlando Magic: +600
Indiana Pacers: +1100
Philadelphia 76ers: +1200
Detroit Pistons: +1500
Milwaukee Bucks:… pic.twitter.com/mHU8hqookf
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 23, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland
May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) and guard Donovan Mitchell (45) react during the second half against the Indiana Pacers in game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers, last year’s no. 1 in the conference and second best team overall, is predicted to lord it over again. They made a second round exit and it is being attributed to the injury of their key players. Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley, however, will return earlier unlike Damian Lillard who will be out for a lengthy period.
The Knicks’ major concern is the coaching hire while the Celtics have already made changes in the line-up after hitting the second apron.
What cards do the Milwaukee Bucks have?
The Bucks’ hands are tied this offseason due to the lack of asset. However, reports said that they are going to aggressively look for free agents to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Among the positions they need to fill is the guard position with Lillard out. They got Kevin Porter Jr. although he is expected to test the free agency after having a stellar individual performance from February to April.
Ryan Rollins is expected to take a greater role in the PG position while AJ Green is expected to continue as Antetokounmpo’s pass recipients.
AJ Green, Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks
Dec 30, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Luka Garza (55) looks to shoot between Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) and forward Bobby Portis (9) during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The front court might be a problem, too, if ever Bobby Portis signs with another team as already said that he wants to get compensated fairly. Brook Lopez is also being eyed by other teams.
Right now, all the Bucks got is their 47th pick and one could only hope that they use it wisely.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!