Bucks Zone

Report predicts the Milwaukee Bucks will finish second in the EC and take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs

Report notes the Bucks’ major turnaround after a slow start to the season.
Matthew Dugandzic|
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The Milwaukee Bucks will end up as the No. 2 seed in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, a report said.

Two months into the season, Bleacher Report released its playoff bracket prediction, showing the Bucks finishing behind the Boston Celtics after the regular season in the Eastern Conference.

The report added that Milwaukee will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.

As of Thursday, December 28th, Milwaukee is second in the East with a 23-8 record. Cleveland is in sixth place with an 18-13 slate, just slightly ahead of the 17-13 New York Knicks.

Major turnaround

The report noted how the Bucks turned their campaign around following a lackadaisical start.

Early in the season, Milwaukee was 5-4, but a sterling run in the month of November that saw them go 17-4 allowed them to go up in the team standings.

The Bucks have also been hot this December, where they are 10-2 going into their duel with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.

Giannis leading Milwaukee's charge

At the forefront of Milwaukee's promising campaign this season is Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 30.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks. Shooting 60.1 percent this season, the Greek Freak is certainly among the top contenders for this season's MVP award.

While the arrival of Damian Lillard has done wonders, the Bucks still need another critical piece to boost their playoff seeding. The report added that if Milwaukee can bring in another piece at the trade deadline, it could actually end up being the No. 1 seed in the East.

Aside from bringing in another vital piece, the Bucks could overtake the Celtics if they improve defensively.

Milwaukee Bucks list Giannis Antetokounmpo as probable for Friday's game vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.