If there is a clear-cut stretch where the Milwaukee Bucks can prove that they are legitimate, it comes in the form of a 20-day period between January 7-27. The Bucks will face 10 squads during that run, all of which boast formidable names. If they can string together a quality record, something like 7-3, 8-2, or better, the NBA will be put on notice.
Bucks have a brutal January that could be a good test
Milwaukee's January 7-27 schedule goes as follows:
Jan. 7: @ Golden State Warriors
Jan. 9: @ Los Angeles Lakers
Jan. 11: @ Denver Nuggets
Jan. 13: vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Jan. 15: @ San Antonio Spurs
Jan. 19: @ Atlanta Hawks
Jan. 21: vs OKC Thunder
Jan. 23: vs Denver Nuggets
Jan. 25: vs Dallas Mavericks
Jan. 27: @ Philadelphia 76ers
Talk about a tough schedule. The Milwaukee Bucks will kick things off with a three-game road trip vs. a trio of tough Western Conference foes, featuring the likes of Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Nikola Jokic. Then, they return home for one game before hitting the road for two more. There is a needed home stretch in there, but they face three tough opponents, including the defending champions.
In addition to the savvy veterans, the Milwaukee Bucks will get a look at plenty of rising youngsters, including Anthony Edwards, Trae Young, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Cooper Flagg. It will be a good test to see how this team can match up against younger squads.
If the Milwaukee Bucks struggle coming out of the gates and limp into this stretch, a poor record in these 10 games could sink the ship completely. However, if they come out swinging and power through this tough schedule with a positive record, it could be the jolt they need to begin the new year, making it clear they can hang with the best of the best, at least in the Western Conference.
Despite what the naysayers believe, the Milwaukee Bucks have the tools to compete next season. Their biggest issue was the age and lack of athleticism on the roster, and they've patched that. They still have Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the show as well. Those two variables are two reasons it feels like the team should not be overlooked and already written off.
They have their question marks, but the Milwaukee Bucks could surprise a lot of people next season. This stretch feels like a great time to prove a point to the rest of the NBA world.
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