NBA: 5 gut reactions from opening week of the 2018-19 season

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 12: Head coach Quin Snyder talks to Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 12, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 28: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives against Semi Ojeleye #37 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of Game Seven in Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 28, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

The Bucks will be a top 3 seed in the East

Through the first week, Mike Budenholzer and the Milwaukee Bucks look like a different team. And Giannis Antetokounmpo looks like an absolute monster. As expected, he looks better than ever and this Bucks team has quietly had an ideal first week.

Apart from the success of Giannis, Khris Middleton has picked up where he left off last season. He’s averaging 21 points, 6.5 rebounds and four assists per game on 48 percent shooting from the field and an absurd 53 percent shooting from 3-point range (7.5 attempts per game).

Middleton could be the wildcard for this team moving forward. If he continues on this tear, this team will take the next step this season. The Bucks have looked mightily impressive thus far, and I don’t think they’ll fall off that much moving forward. Believe in the Deer.

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