Milwaukee Bucks
Last years first place finishers are primed to top the conference once again.
The Milwaukee Bucks come into the season with only a few changes; most notably the loss of Malcolm Brogdon. Although it hurts, Giannis Antetokounmpo alone could be enough to top the conference, and at the worst their likely looking at second place.
When comparing to Toronto, the Greek Freak is the point-blank superstar that the Raptors don’t currently have (although, Siakam is just about there), and the overall depth of their squad puts them ahead.
Milwaukee has around 11-12 players in their rotation and can get very solid production from guys such as Kyle Korver, Wesley Matthews, and Ersan Ilyasova. Compare that to the thin rotation that Nick Nurse is rolling with at the moment and there is no question that the Bucks should be more successful over the course of an 82 game grind.
The Verdict: Although they are still considered competition and it’s not inconceivable that Toronto could get hot and pass them, the Raptors will be hard-pressed to finish above a deep Milwaukee team that will be looking for revenge, and will almost certainly be looking up in the standings at the Bucks come April.