NBA Title Contenders and their Concerns: Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are on a 70-win pace because they have the best defender in the NBA and he also happens to be a devastating force under the basket, in the open court, and passing out of double teams. Giannis has even improved his range, now making about 31% of his threes, and more importantly taking them without hesitation, bumping his attempts up to 5 per game.

Giannis’ health is always the most important factor for Milwaukee. He’s been incredibly durable so far in his career and Coach Mike Budenholzer has wisely restricted minutes this year.

Giannis had a precautionary MRI on his knee on Saturday after landing awkwardly Friday night — assuming he’s okay, they’ll likely rest him and give up on the run at 70 wins.

How much can the Bucks depend on Khris Middleton to ease the pressure on Giannis in the playoffs?

Middleton destroyed the Celtics in the East Semis last year, but didn’t play his best in the East Finals against the defensive juggernaut known as last year’s Raptors. Without Kawhi and Danny Green, the Raptors defense has dominated in the regular season again. Can the guys replacing Kawhi and Green (O.G. Anunoby, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson) be as useful in the playoffs as they’ve been in the regular season?

Brook Lopez’ spacing

Lopez is shooting 29% from deep this year, after making roughly 35% over his previous three seasons. Milwaukee depends on spacing to make it work around Giannis…