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Milwaukee Bucks Final 8 Game Schedule Released

By Paul Bretl

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 24, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 24, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The NBA is set to resume the 2019-2020 season, and here is who the Milwaukee Bucks will be playing in their eight games prior to the playoffs.

About a month from now, the NBA and Milwaukee Bucks basketball will be back! Now, of course, given the circumstances, things are going to be quite different than usual.

For one, as I’m sure everyone is aware, all games will be played in Orlando, Florida, and as expected, no fans will be in attendance.

Additionally, not all 30 NBA teams will be represented either. Rather it will be 22 teams made up of the current 16 playoff teams along with New Orleans, San Antonio, Sacramento, Washington, and Pheonix, who are just on the outside and looking in.

Meanwhile, when it comes to determining the final playoff spots in each conference, the one through seven seeds will be determined by win percentage. But when it comes to the eight seed, things will be a little different.

If the eight seed has more than a four-game lead over the nine seed, then that eight seed is automatically in the playoffs. However, if that lead is four games or less, then there will be a play in scenario that is single elimination for the nine seed and double elimination for the eight seed.

Lastly, there will be eight “regular-season” games that will be played before the playoffs begin to help determine the seeding. And the schedule for those eight games was just released Friday night. Here is who the Milwaukee Bucks will be facing:

Fortunately for the Bucks, they won’t be one of the teams jockeying for playoff position. With a record of 53-12 they hold a 6.5 game lead for the one seed over the Toronto Raptors. It would take Milwaukee going 1-7 or 0-8 while the Raptors win every game in order for them to lose the top seed. It isn’t happening.

In terms of their strength of schedule, the Bucks finish right in the middle of the returning teams as they are ranked 11th. However, as already stated, they have the No. 1 seed locked up, so this probably isn’t as meaningful to them as it is to other teams. In fact, I say the more challenging games the better, to help get them into playoff mode.

So since the Bucks do have such a tight grip on the top seed, this means that they can focus more on easing their guys back into the swing of things. Along with any areas of emphasis that Coach Mike Budenholzer wants them to focus on and perhaps tinkering with some different rotations before the playoffs begin.

Next. Watch Out NBA, Giannis is "Fully Healthy" Again. dark

Once again, the Milwaukee Bucks have the best record in the NBA, and Giannis Antetokounmpo should be on his way to his second straight MVP award. They now have the opportunity to put a stamp on what has been an excellent 2019-2020 season with a Championship run. And it all starts July 31st against Boston.

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