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Milwaukee Bucks: Ranking potential first round opponents

By Brian Sampson

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)
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 – MARCH 04: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots over Malcolm Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on March 04, 2020 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 04: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots over Malcolm Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on March 04, 2020 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

3. Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers’ record doesn’t reflect their ranking on this list–they’re currently in ninth place in the East and are two games under .500 at 26-28. However, their talent level suggests they could give the Bucks more issues than the three teams we just mentioned.

Between Malcolm Brogdon, Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner and Caris LeVert, the Pacers have a core that could give the Bucks trouble. We’ve seen them put Brogdon on Giannis Antetokounmpo in the past with shot-blocker extraordinaire Turner looming around the rim. Will Brook Lopez be able to make enough threes to keep Turner occupied?

Sabonis has also given the Bucks fits with his ability to score from multiple levels and run the offense from the elbows. LeVert would be the wildcard. He’s playing his best basketball of the season lately and could stretch the Bucks thin on defense. This would be a fun matchup between two Central Division rivals.

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