Milwaukee Bucks: Ranking potential first round opponents

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 06: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks sitting on a gatorade cooler looks on prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on April 06, 2021 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – APRIL 09: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after scoring in the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 09, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

5. Charlotte Hornets

It wouldn’t really matter between the Hornets and the Knicks, as both teams have outside chances at knocking off the Bucks in any series. However, the Hornets come in at No. 5 because of their balanced scoring approach–they have seven guys averaging double-digit points this season. This across-the-board attack means every guy on the court must be capable of defending or risk being exploited.

It will be interesting to see if LaMelo Ball is able to return for the playoffs. He was playing his best ball of the season before fracturing his wrist on March 20th. Shams Charania reported he’ll be re-evaluated late next week sometime and we’ll have more information then. His presence (or absence) would greatly affect Charlotte’s ability to upset their first-round opponent.

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