With the addition of seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks are gearing up for an exciting 2023-24 NBA season. Will this be the year they reclaim the championship title? Let’s dive into the Bucks playoff chances and season-long props below.
Bucks Playoff Chances
Heading into the 2023-24 season, the Bucks playoff chances are at 99% according to the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Odds to make playoffs: -8000
- Percent to make playoffs: 99%
Bucks Season-Long Props & Futures
- NBA Champion: +400
- Conference Winner: +180
- Division Winner: -350
- Regular season wins: 54.5
Looking Back At Last Season For Milwaukee
The 2022-23 NBA season was a rollercoaster ride for the Milwaukee Bucks. After a strong regular season, the Bucks secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
However, their postseason campaign was cut short in a shocking upset. Despite being the favorites, the Bucks were ousted in the first round by the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in just five games. This was a significant setback for a team that had advanced in the playoffs for four consecutive seasons prior to this.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA MVP, had another stellar season, averaging a career-high 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. His dominance on both ends of the court earned him a third-place finish in the MVP voting. However, his efforts were not enough to carry the Bucks deep into the playoffs.
Khris Middleton, a three-time All-Star, had a challenging season. He battled a series of nagging injuries that limited him to just 33 games. When healthy, Middleton is a crucial piece of the Bucks’ core, providing valuable scoring and playmaking alongside Antetokounmpo. His health will be a key factor in the Bucks’ success in the upcoming season.
Offseason Changes and Their Impact
The Bucks’ early playoff exit led to significant changes in the offseason. The Bucks re-signed key players Middleton and Brook Lopez, ensuring that the core of the team remained intact. They also shook up a few things on the roster and coaching staff.
Damian Lillard Joins The Bucks
The addition of Damian Lillard in the offseason has only bolstered their championship aspirations. As they gear up for the 2023-24 season, the Bucks will be looking to learn from their past mistakes and make a strong push for the title.
Lillard’s arrival in Milwaukee has created a formidable duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo, making the Bucks a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season. Lillard, known for his scoring prowess and clutch performances, brings a new dimension to the Bucks’ offense. His ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting will provide Antetokounmpo with more space to operate and could make the Bucks’ offense even more potent.
Jrue Holiday Departs
However, the trade also means the departure of Jrue Holiday, a key component of the Bucks’ defense. Holiday’s defensive prowess was instrumental in the Bucks’ previous successes, and his absence could potentially leave a void in the team’s defensive structure. It will be interesting to see how the Bucks adjust their defensive strategies to compensate for this loss.
New Year, New Coach
Another significant change in the offseason was the appointment of Adrian Griffin as the new head coach, replacing Mike Budenholzer. Griffin, a former assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors, will be tasked with integrating Lillard into the team’s system and maximizing the potential of the star-studded lineup. His approach and coaching style could have a significant impact on the Bucks’ performance in the upcoming season.
Can Antetokounmpo and Lillard Mesh Together?
As the Bucks gear up for the 2023-24 season, all eyes will be on Antetokounmpo and Lillard, as they look to lead the team to another NBA championship.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ championship aspirations for the 2023-24 season will largely hinge on the performances of their two superstars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Both players are among the elite in the NBA, and their partnership could potentially form one of the most formidable duos in the league.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP, has been the cornerstone of the Bucks’ success in recent years. His dominance on both ends of the court has earned him a reputation as one of the best players in the world. Last season, he averaged a career-high 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, finishing third in MVP voting. Despite the Bucks’ early playoff exit, Antetokounmpo’s performance remained stellar, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level under pressure.
The addition of Damian Lillard to the Bucks’ roster adds another dimension to their offense. Lillard, a seven-time All-Star, is known for his scoring prowess and clutch performances. Last season, he averaged a career-high 32.2 points per game, making him one of the league’s top scorers. His ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting will provide Antetokounmpo with more space to operate, potentially making the Bucks’ offense even more potent.
However, the success of this superstar duo will not only depend on their individual performances but also on their ability to gel as a team. Both players are used to being the primary offensive options for their respective teams, and it will be interesting to see how they adjust to sharing the spotlight. Their chemistry on and off the court will be crucial in determining the Bucks’ success in the upcoming season.
Bucks Playoff Chances & Season-Long Props
The Bucks’ strong roster and the potential chemistry between Antetokounmpo and Lillard make them a compelling pick for the championship.
Odds To Win NBA Championship
The Bucks’ current odds of +400 to win the NBA championship reflect their strong position. However, it’s important to remember that these odds are not a guarantee and are influenced by a variety of factors, including team performance, player injuries, and market sentiment.
Odds To Win Eastern Conference
In terms of conference odds, the Bucks are also favored to win the Eastern Conference at +180. Given their strong regular-season performance in the previous season and the bolstered roster, the Bucks are expected to have a strong regular season and make a deep playoff run. Therefore, betting on the Bucks to win the Eastern Conference could also be a smart pick.
Bucks Playoff Chances
The Bucks are expected to make the playoffs, with extremely heavy -8000 odds to make that happen. That translates to a 99% probability, so something will have to go very wrong for Milwaukee to miss the postseason.
Potential Roadblocks for Milwaukee?
Within all of this, it’s crucial to consider the potential challenges the Bucks might face. The departure of Jrue Holiday could impact their defensive structure, and the team will need to adjust their defensive strategies to compensate for this loss. Additionally, the team’s adaptation to a new coaching style under Adrian Griffin could also influence their performance.