Camille Davis and Justin Garcia here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Bucks podcast, with your daily Locked On Bucks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Bucks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Are the Milwaukee Bucks in Crisis Mode or Comeback Mode?
Nov 4, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images|Ken Blaze/Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Bucks’ Early Season Struggles: A Closer Look
The Milwaukee Bucks’ start to the NBA season has been unexpectedly challenging, with the team sharing the league’s worst record at 1-6 alongside the Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz. As a Bucks fan, it’s hard not to feel a mix of concern and cautious optimism. The team has shown flashes of potential, but the need to convert those into wins is becoming increasingly urgent.
A Must-Win Against the Jazz?
Tonight’s game against the Utah Jazz feels crucial. Both teams are struggling, but the Bucks are expected to come out on top. Despite sharing the same record, the talent and expectations for these teams are worlds apart. The Jazz, fresh off their first win against the Chicago Bulls, have been the league’s worst offense. This matchup is an opportunity for the Bucks to assert themselves and start turning their season around.
The Bucks’ recent performances against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics have shown improvement, but consistency is key. The team needs to capitalize on these glimpses of progress and translate them into victories. The schedule doesn’t get any easier, with a back-to-back game against the New York Knicks and a tough matchup against the Golden State Warriors looming. A loss tonight could mean staring at a daunting 1-9 start, which is far from ideal.
Comparing the Bucks and 76ers
The Bucks and 76ers find themselves in similar predicaments, but there are differences worth noting. Philadelphia’s struggles can partly be attributed to Joel Embiid’s absence, while the Bucks have been without Chris Middleton. Both teams have faced challenges, but the Bucks might be in a slightly better position. Despite their record, Milwaukee has shown signs of figuring things out, particularly in their recent games.
Doc Rivers has expressed optimism about the team’s potential to go on a run, and it’s hard not to share that sentiment. The Bucks have been experimenting with their lineup, giving more minutes to players like Andre Jackson Jr. and A.J. Green, who have shown promise. This willingness to adapt and find the right mix is encouraging.
The Bucks’ defense, while not perfect, has been better than Philadelphia’s, even without Embiid. The key is to continue building on these small victories and find a rhythm that can carry them through the season. The Eastern Conference is still wide open, with only two teams above .500, leaving plenty of room for the Bucks to climb the standings.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks’ early season challenges and potential solutions, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
- The impact of the Bucks’ early season schedule on their performance
- Analysis of the Bucks’ defensive strategies and areas for improvement
- A look at the Eastern Conference standings and potential playoff implications
- Player spotlight: Andre Jackson Jr. and A.J. Green’s contributions
- Upcoming matchups and what they mean for the Bucks’ season trajectory
We’re about 10% of the way through the season, which means we’ve seen enough of the rookie class to make iron-clad judgments on them that will never change. First impression, last impression.
Kidding, of course; sample sizes are still small, and both we and the debutants themselves are learning a ton. Watching this class take their first baby-giraffe steps in the league has been a blast, so I’ve selected four rookies worth discussing.
1) Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey’s performance has been predictably up-and-down. On the one hand, he’s started to figure out how to defend without fouling. After infamously fouling out in just 15 minutes in his NBA debut, Edey hasn’t accrued more than three infractions in any of his last six games (although he did pick up three in just 15 minutes last night). Opponents are shooting just 55.6% against him at the rim, a better number than Anthony Davis or Rudy Gobert, and they take fewer attempts at the rim when he’s on the court. There’s a slight deterrence factor already at play.
Edey had a game where he went 11-for-12 from the field, but most of his damage has been done on putbacks and dump-offs. He has only generated 13 points on his 21 post-up possessions, a terrible mark, and his beloved hook shot has abandoned him.
Most peculiarly, a man I predicted might lead the league in screen assists has not been nearly as impactful a screener as I expected. Part of that is the Grizzlies leaning a bit away from the pick-and-roll-centric attack they’ve heavily featured in the past, and part is on some junior-high-school-level chemistry with Ja Morant (see here, where Edey whiffs on the screen and then can’t get to the lob quick enough). That said, he’s already mastered the rolling Gortat screen, a key tool for creating space for Morant. Now, he just needs more reps.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis Bobby Portis, AJ Green, and Andre Jackson Jr. are in focus, as Bucks fans weigh in on potential rotation changes with Gary Trent Jr.'s arrival. (Brew Hoop)
Replay Bucks fall to Cavaliers despite Darius Garland’s absence. Key takeaways from the game reveal defensive and offensive challenges for Milwaukee. (Brew Hoop)
Personnel Owen Phillips of The F5 examines whether a coach can translate their styles between different teams. For example, what trends and principles has Kenny Atkinson instilled in the Cavaliers that we first saw in his Nets tenure?
Analysis ESPN’s Kevin Pelton looks at some early trends, such as the impact Jeremy Sochan’s injury might have on Victor Wembanyama’s offense, the Thunder defense, and more.
Must Read Joseph Casciaro and Joe Wolfond of theScore have 10 observations on the young season, including a look at the Bulls’ blistering pace, KAT’s defensive issues, and much more.
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Zaccharie Risacher’s Big Night Brings Fantasy Basketball Questions
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots over New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
In the world of fantasy basketball, player performances can fluctuate wildly, and Wednesday’s games were no exception. While Zach Edey had previously dazzled fans with a standout performance against the Nets, his recent outing was less than stellar. Facing tougher competition, Edey managed just eight points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes. This game served as a reminder that while Edey has potential, consistency is key, and fantasy managers should be cautious about overcommitting to him based on a single strong performance.
On the flip side, Zaccharie Risacher delivered a performance that turned heads and could have significant fantasy implications. Starting for the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher exploded for 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. His shooting was on point, and he contributed across multiple categories, making him a hot commodity in fantasy leagues. With De’Andre Hunter still sidelined, Risacher’s role in the starting lineup seems secure for now, and his ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a valuable asset.
Risacher’s breakout game highlights the importance of monitoring player roles and opportunities. While his previous performances were inconsistent, this game showcased his potential when given the chance. Fantasy managers should consider adding Risacher, especially if he continues to see significant minutes and usage.
As always, staying updated on player performances and team dynamics is crucial for fantasy success. Keep an eye on how these players develop in the coming games, and adjust your fantasy strategies accordingly. For more insights and analysis, be sure to follow the latest episodes of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bucks podcasts.
Is a changing of the guards what the Milwaukee Bucks need to overcome their slow start? The Milwaukee Bucks are off to a rocky 1-6 start this season, raising eyebrows across the NBA. With young talents like AJ Green and Andre Jackson Jr. vying for more court time, could this be the shake-up the Bucks need?
The Milwaukee Bucks drop to 1-5 despite dynamic performances from Giannis and Dame Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard combined for an impressive 75 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers, showcasing their growing chemistry. However, the Bucks’ bench struggles continue. The Bucks’ transition play shows promise, but a tough schedule looms as they seek consistency.
Milwaukee Bucks drop fourth straight game after 99-122 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies The Milwaukee Bucks are now 1-4 after dropping their fourth game in a row, this time to the Memphis Grizzlies. As the Bucks continue playing through a tough schedule, including a matchup against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers, they must address these early-season challenges to regain their footing
