Predicting Disney: Milwaukee Bucks

The 2019-20 season has been one of the best in Milwaukee Bucks franchise history. After a 2-2 start, the team went on a tear, and was on a 70-win pace for the majority of the first half of the season. They dominated the East and had the best record in the NBA at 53-12. Then, the season would come to an abrupt halt due to COVID-19.

But later this month, the Bucks and 21 other teams will have the chance to finish out the season. With Giannis playing at an even higher level than last year’s MVP campaign, Khris Middleton continuing to play like an All-Star, and Eric Bledsoe emerging as a quality complementary piece, the Bucks are one of the favorites to win the title this year at Disney.

It will be a unique situation for all teams as the NBA season concludes. But as Giannis said recently, taking home the Larry O’Brien trophy after this season may be more impressive compared to winning a title in a normal year. With it almost time to get back to basketball, let’s take a look at what the Bucks will face in the remainder of their regular season at Disney.

Eight Game Schedule

July 31 vs. Boston Celtics: W

A budding conference rivalry and 2019 playoff rematch begins the resumption of the season for the Bucks. The Celtics did take care of business versus the Bucks in just the fourth game of the year for the cream and green, but the Bucks took care of the C’s in two home matchups since. With a well-rested Kemba Walker and what is looking to be a relatively full and healthy roster, the Celtics give the Bucks a good test in their return to the hardwood. But ultimately talent wins out and Giannis should lead the Bucks in a close win.

August 2 vs. Houston Rockets: L

These two teams opened up their seasons against each other back in October, with the Bucks going down to Texas and picking up an early statement win. But the time off could prove as beneficial for the Rockets as anyone, giving James Harden and Russell Westbrook ample rest before trying to make a title run. We know James Harden will be highly motivated in this matchup, and that might just be enough to sneak past a Bucks team still trying to find their early season form.

August 4 vs. Brooklyn Nets: W

This would project to be the easiest game on the regular season slate for the Bucks. Yes, right now Brooklyn would be a playoff team and they still may by mid-August. But several key members from their roster will not play in Orlando for a host of reasons, creating a bit of a mix and match roster for the Nets. In a potential first round playoff preview, the Bucks should dominate while preparing for tough matchups ahead.

August 6 vs. Miami Heat: L

One of those tough matchups comes right here. The Bucks have had problems with the Heat as of late, blowing a big lead to the team in the home opener and then going down to Miami over the winter and getting manhandled by the Heat. Erik Spoelstra’s squad poses matchup problems for the Bucks, and could quietly give them one of the toughest playoff series they face at Disney if the two squads do indeed match up down the road. But on this night, the Heat beat the cream and green yet again in a low-scoring overtime battle.

August 8 vs. Dallas Mavericks: W

Yet another difficult matchup comes two days later against the Mavs. Luka Doncic is motivated to get going again, and even without him Dallas was able to pull off a rare win by a visiting team in Fiserv Forum this season. But by game five of the restart, expect the Bucks to once again find their footing and play like they were a few months ago. Doncic will get his, but the Bucks depth shines through in a comfortable win.

August 10 vs. Toronto Raptors: W

In what may be the most important matchup for both these teams during the remainder of the regular season, the Bucks and Raptors will go head to head once again in what has become an Eastern Conference rivalry over the past couple years. Before the suspension of the season, the Bucks had a nice statement win in Toronto, giving them a little revenge after their season ended in Canada last year. The Raptors are good, but the Bucks are a better team and they will play like it on this night with another nice win.

August 11 vs. Washington Wizards: W

After a tough three-game stretch, things ease up for the Bucks in a matchup with the Wizards. Bradley Beal will not be joining the team in Orlando, and the Wizards were not very good to begin with before the season came to a halt. They did give the Bucks a road test over the winter, but they also were dominated in Milwaukee at the end of January in a game where Khris Middleton scored a career-high 51 points. Expect a similar result to the latter in this one.

August 13 vs. Memphis Grizzlies: W

This matchup will be one of the more interesting games on not only the Bucks’ schedule but also the regular season’s final night. There is a high chance that the Grizzlies are playing for the eight seed in the West, while the Bucks may have everything wrapped up and nothing to play for. With just an eight-game tune-up before the postseason, it is hard to imagine players are rested. If they are, the Grizzlies might be able to sneak out a win. But as long as the Bucks contain star rookie Ja Morant, they should confidently walk into the playoffs on a four-game winning streak.

Final Record: 59-14 (6-2 at Disney)