The Milwaukee Bucks 2027 playoff chances don’t look great after trading away their best player in franchise history, Giannis Antetokounmpo, but can they still compete? They got back a boatload of talent, but in an Eastern Conference that looks as stacked as it has ever been, it’ll be tough to make it into the playoffs, but not impossible.
Depending on the health of the opposing teams and their own health, of course, Milwaukee could very well get into the play-in tournament, and anything can happen from there. It’s crazy to think that even with the Bucks losing a player of that magnitude, they somehow still have enough talent on the roster to make a playoff spot.
Milwaukee would need everything to go their way, which means young guys leapfrogging development, players elevating beyond their expected roles, and not getting bitten by the injury bug. This is a lot to ask for, but they do have a foundation to start with. It includes Tyler Herro, who was the centerpiece of the Antetokounmpo trade, Kel’el Ware, who was also included in that deal, Ryan Rollins, and Myles Turner. Not to mention, the Bucks have the two lottery picks in the 2026 draft, Nate Ament and Brayden Burries, who both showed flashes in this year’s summer league. Unlike most teams, this Milwaukee squad isn’t top-heavy, but they actually have key rotational guys up and down the roster.
Unlike most teams, this Milwaukee squad isn’t top-heavy, but they actually have key rotational guys up and down the roster. This includes Kyle Kuzma, Gary Trent Jr., Ousmane Dieng, Kevin Porter Jr., Jaime Jaquez Jr., Caris LeVert, and AJ Green. All together, that is 13 players that can give you legitimate production, and a lot of teams don’t have similar depth.
Due to their quality reserves, they can sustain injuries throughout the season while staying afloat in the rankings. The problem they’re going to have is staying in a play-in spot throughout the year, especially in an East that has gotten much more talented this offseason.
The Miami Heat acquired Antetokounmpo, the Boston Celtics are still going to be great, even after trading Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, who also signed LeBron James. Tyrese Haliburton looks to be good to go for the Indiana Pacers, and the New York Knicks look to defend their title. A young and hungry Detroit Pistons are showing promise, and the Cleveland Cavaliers will still be in the hunt.
Don’t forget the Orlando Magic and the Charlotte Hornets, who will most likely both be competing with the Bucks for a play-in spot. The Toronto Raptors also need to be mentioned, especially if they end up getting Kawhi Leonard, along with the Washington Wizards and the Chicago Bulls.
The East certainly isn’t a joke this year, and the Bucks will find that out quickly. They had a 32-50 record last season, mostly because Antetokounmpo missed 46 games, but they could have a better record this season. They should be looking to win games, as they don’t own their 2027 first-round pick. Rollins, who averaged 17.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, and Herro, who averaged 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, will do the heavy lifting.
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Milwaukee, though, will most likely not make it to the playoffs, and if they do, it’ll be through the play-in tournament. The Eastern Conference will be too much for them to compete in, and don’t be surprised if they’re down at the 12-15 seeds in the conference. I project the Bucks to finish 30-52 and land around the 13th seed.
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