Milwaukee Bucks Disappointingly Classed as Play-in Team in 1st Power Rankings for Next Season

Endowed with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee has the obvious advantage in star power. Without Haliburton, Indiana is left to build around Pascal Siakam, a bona fide star but not a candidate for regular season MVP (he won the ECF version in Indiana’s series against New York).

At least in ESPN’s view, however, the Pacers’ deep rotation gives them an edge on Milwaukee’s roster. Boston, the probable preseason Eastern Conference favorites once again absent Tatum’s injury, is ranked 12th overall; Indiana somehow remains 6th; Milwaukee is 16th.

The Wild, Wide-Open East

Based on the rankings, here’s how the standings would shake out in the East in 2025-26:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (4th overall)
2. Indiana Pacers (6)
3. New York Knicks (7)
4. Detroit Pistons (11)
5. Boston Celtics (12)
6. Orlando Magic (13)
7. Milwaukee Bucks (16)
8. Miami Heat (18)
9. Atlanta Hawks (19)
10. Philadelphia 76ers (21)
11. Chicago Bulls (23)
12. Toronto Raptors (26)
13. Brooklyn Nets (27)
14. Charlotte Hornets (28)
15. Washington Wizards (30).

The most questionable element of this list is the possible overestimation of the Pacers. Yes, they just took OKC to Game 7, but their maestro will miss the entire season and their third-best piece, center Myles Turner, should be a very expensive free agent. This isn’t some Bucks-centric grudge for being booted by Indiana in consecutive first rounds. Those would be massive losses for the Pacers, and one is all but guaranteed.

Unfortunately, Milwaukee has a lot of uncertainty too regarding what talent they can retain and/or acquire in the offseason. Shuffled or not, the teams in the top six spots mostly makes sense. But circumstances are extremely fluid.

If things go south in Indy or Boston, the Bucks could easily escape the play-in. Maybe the Pistons take a step back after taking one historically large step forward, more than tripling their previous win total. Maybe the Desmond Bane trade doesn’t work out in Orlando, although he seems like an excellent fit.

Despite Milwaukee’s limited draft assets or moveable salary, it would be silly to rule out a meaningful maneuver between now and the opening tipoff. Savvy free agent signings or the right trade, particularly one modeled around Kyle Kuzma, could give the Bucks a legitimate shot at surprising some people next postseason. They might not be title contenders, but another finish as the four or five seed seems very, very open.