Bucks Open With Second-Highest 2019-20 Win Total; Did They Lose Too Many Pieces

• The Milwaukee Bucks won 60 games last season
• The Bucks lost some valuable pieces in the offseason
• Are they a good bet to exceed this year’s win total of 54.5?

The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off of a season for the ages. They won a league-best 60 games and their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo claimed the NBA’s MVP award at the tender age of 24.

After a crazy summer of free agency, where teams in both conferences made material changes to their rosters, for better and for worse, the question is whether Milwaukee can duplicate last year’s regular season performance.

Milwaukee Bucks Win Total Odds

*Odds taken 7/16/19

Currently, the over/under for Milwaukee Bucks wins in 2019-20 is 54.5. That’s good for the second-highest over/under line in NBA win totals.

The Bucks lost some valuable pieces from last season’s 60-win team in the offseason. The biggest loss was Malcolm Brogdon, who took his 15.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and steady leadership to the Indiana Pacers in free agency. They also lost talented forward Nikola Mirotic to Spain.

However, the Bucks did re-sign second leading scorer Kris Middleton and starters Eric Bledsoe and Brook Lopez, along with backup point guard George Hill. They also made a couple of solid additions in free agency, signing veterans Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews.

CONFIRMED: The Bucks have signed free agent center Robin Lopez and free agent guard Wesley Matthews#FearTheDeerhttps://t.co/ATZhReIFqH

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 13, 2019

Though the loss of Brogdon could turn out to be substantial, the additions of Lopez and Matthews could lessen the blow at least a little bit.

One major factor in the Bucks’ favor is the Eastern Conference will likely be weaker this season.

Last year’s NBA champion, the team that finished second in the East and the team that eliminated the Bucks in the playoffs, will not be anywhere close to the same threat this season.

Though the loss of Brogdon could turn out to be substantial, the additions of Lopez and Matthews could lessen the blow.

Kawhi Leonard’s decision to leave the Toronto Raptors for the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency, without question weakened the Eastern Conference.

The Philadelphia 76ers also may be a lesser team this season after losing their closer Jimmy Butler to the Miami Heat. While the 76ers should remain quite formidable with the addition of Al Horford, it is arguable whether they will be better or even the same.

"Hey let's go get the big trophy now!" – Giannis Antetokounmpo pic.twitter.com/M7LiLiZom4

— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) July 14, 2019

The Boston Celtics lost the aforementioned Horford and seem to be a player away from being the championship contender most people thought they were at this time last year.

But the biggest factor in the Bucks’ favor remains the presence of Antetokounmpo and his continued improvement. It may sound crazy to think that the reigning MVP could actually be a better player next season, but the man nicknamed the Greek Freak is actually just scratching the surface.

For instance, Antetokounmpo just began to develop an outside shot last season and it is extremely reasonable to expect him to be even more comfortable with that part of his game next season.

So, the Greek Freak’s expected improvement and motivation to prove that he is deserving of his newfound respect, along with the additions of Robin Lopez and Matthews, should be enough to make up for the loss of Brogdon.

If the Bucks were able to win 60 games last season in an Eastern Conference that was likely tougher than it will be this season, expect the Bucks to win over 54.5 games in 2019-20 rather easily.

My pick: Over 54.5 wins (-115)