NBA: 10 bold predictions for the 2017-18 campaign

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 16: Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on May 16, 2017 in Oakland, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

4 of 11

TORONTO, ON – APRIL 15: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball in the first half of Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Toronto Raptors during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on April 15, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Milwaukee makes the ECF

Fans and pundits around the globe have the Boston – Cleveland pair a virtual lock for the Eastern Finals. Nobody asked Giannis and co. though. The Bucks are building around a nucleus of young players that grow together on the court. Parker, Brogdon, Maker and Antetokounmpo will get help from their more seasoned teammates Monroe, Middleton and Snell. Even coach Kidd is more experienced now, following last year’s playoff birth.

Provided this 7-man group stays healthy, the Bucks are destined for playoff glory. Their defense is top tier when clicking and there are not a lot of teams out there who can score against this bunch of athletic freaks.

Speaking of which, if Giannis Antetokounmpo stays on the same improvement track, he will be a fringe MVP candidate and provide his team with much needed poise and leadership.

Home/NBA News