Bucks Shouldn't Be Counted Out From the Playoffs, NBA Writer Predicts

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 11:45 PM ET

When it comes to change, the Milwaukee Bucks had the biggest offseason among NBA teams. The Bucks waived All-Star guard Damian Lillard and made room to sign center Myles Turner. Also, they pursued Gary Harris and Cole Anthony. Milwaukee took the chances presented to them by making significant moves to their roster.

This puts them in a tough situation as they enter the 2025-26 NBA season. With just one All-Star in Giannis Antetokounmpo, it leads to the question: Will the Bucks make it to the playoffs next year?

The team has enough outside shooting, which is usually the preferred design for any team around the league. Most players for the Bucks have reliable 3-pointers, including big men like Turner and Bobby Portis. But will that be enough to be a playoff team?

NBA Writer Believes Bucks Shouldn't be Counted Out From the Playoffs

Although the Bucks made significant changes, The Ringer's Danny Chau predicts the team will still make the playoffs. Chau pointed out that the Eastern Conference is wide open. The Indiana Pacers, the team that reached the 2025 NBA Finals, won't be a threat next season. The Pacers' star, Tyrese Haliburton, won't be available for the entire campaign as he'll be recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.

Pacers president Kevin Pritchard has confirmed Tyrese Haliburton will not play next season

Wishing him a healthy recovery pic.twitter.com/olkmc4lsmD
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 7, 2025

The same case can be made for the Boston Celtics with Jayson Tatum sidelined due to the same injury.

"This is the most pivotal season for Milwaukee since its championship run in 2021, and though everything still hinges on Giannis Antetokounmpo, things are drastically different this time around. Most of the old anchors the Bucks had are gone. The only other player remaining from that title team is Bobby Portis," Chau wrote.

Milwaukee is unlikely to be a threat to win the championship. However, they can still make some noise in the conference, given its weakened state.

"They aren’t front-runners anymore; they haven’t been for a while. But in a wide-open Eastern Conference ripe for the taking, I still can’t count out the team with the best player."

There could be a few surprises next season. The Bucks might benefit from having just one All-Star and a decent supporting cast.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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