The Milwaukee Bucks are struggling to make it to the play-in tournament. On Wednesday, they faced significant challenges in a 131-113 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo returned after missing five weeks due to injury and scored 24 points. However, the team’s offense faltered in the second half, leading to their fourth consecutive loss. This result puts their chances of making the play-in tournament in jeopardy.
Milwaukee Bucks Facing an Uphill Battle
With 21 games left, the Bucks need to close a five-game deficit to catch the Hawks or the Charlotte Hornets, who both have records of 32-31 compared to Milwaukee’s 26-35, although the Bucks have two extra games to play.
Despite a strong start, where they scored 38 points in the first quarter and hit 6-of-9 three-pointers, the Bucks fell apart in the second half, shooting a poor 2-for-20 from beyond the arc. They were outscored by 31 points after the first quarter, making the loss particularly painful as it was a chance to gain on the Hawks.
The Bucks will have another chance against the Hawks on March 14, but the recent outcome does not inspire confidence.
Considering Future Moves for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Bucks still harbor hopes of advancing from the play-in tournament, but the game against the Hawks exposed their weaknesses. They struggle with shot blocks and turnovers, with Thanasis Antetokounmpo recording the team’s only two blocks during garbage time.
Milwaukee also relies heavily on free throws from Antetokounmpo, and their rebounding has been lacking. With a limited Plan B, their chances of achieving a favorable outcome are slim. Even under the best-case scenario, they would need two road wins to secure the eighth seed.
While Antetokounmpo is eager to compete, the Bucks are in a position where there may be little left to fight for this season. Whether he requests a trade in the offseason or not, it’s wise for the Bucks to prioritize his health, especially given his injuries this season, instead of chasing an increasingly unlikely play-in spot.
The window for meaningful games in the Bucks’ season is nearing closure. If they lose to the Hawks again in 10 days, it may signal the end of their playoff hopes. This could also be the last time fans see Antetokounmpo in a Bucks uniform this season—or possibly ever.