Bucks 2016-17 Schedule: Top Games, Championship Odds and Record Predictions
The Milwaukee Bucks are preparing for year No. 3 of the Jason Kidd regime as they look to turn things around after a 33-49 2015-16 season.
While the Bucks haven't experienced much in terms of regular-season success—they've only made the playoffs three times in the past 10 years—the team has amassed a young roster that holds tons of promise heading into 2016-17.
With the Bucks' young assets a year older, here is some important information to know after Milwaukee's schedule was released on Thursday.
2016-17 Details
Season Opener: Wednesday, Oct. 26 vs. Charlotte Hornets, 8 p.m. ET
Championship Odds: 75-1 (via Odds Shark)
Full Schedule: NBA.com
Top Matchups
Chicago Bulls
First Home Matchup: Thursday, Dec. 15 at BMO Harris Bradley Center, 8 p.m. ET
The Chicago Bulls finished last season nine games ahead of the Bucks, narrowly missing out on the final Eastern Conference playoff spot to the Detroit Pistons.
Milwaukee only took one of four contests from its Central Division rivals last season, but that's not why Chicago's first visit to BMO Harris Bradley Center will be significant.
Dwyane Wade will be making his first trip to Milwaukee as a member of the Bulls, the team he spurned the Bucks for early in July.
After confirmation that he wouldn't return to the Miami Heat, Wade in fact set up and had a meeting with Bucks primary owner Marc Lasry, per Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel.
Wade expressed his liking of shooting guard Khris Middleton, per ESPN's Marc Stein, while Turner Sports analyst David Aldridge reported that the veteran was "very serious" about the Bucks.
He also spent his college days in downtown Milwaukee as a member of Marquette University
However, Wade's hometown Bulls reigned supreme, as he officially signed a two-year, $47.5 million deal on July 15.
The Bucks and their fans will be keen to show Wade what he missed out on by joining the Bulls, even if they didn't have the best shot at signing him during free agency.
Staying competitive against a division rival that was in the playoff race last season will also be a measuring stick of just how good this team can be.
Golden State Warriors
First Home Matchup: Saturday, Nov. 19 at BMO Harris Bradley Center, 8:30 p.m. ET
When the Golden State Warriors come to town, some magical things tend to happen for the host Bucks.
One of the team's best moments last season came in December, when the 24-0 defending NBA champions descended upon Milwaukee looking like one of the most dominant sides in league history.
Yet Bucks fans were confident and almost on the side of cocky as they taunted the Warriors with claims that seemed wild heading into the game, via Stein:
By night's end, the Bucks were victorious, and the Warriors' streak was over:
While the Warriors might not come in to Nov. 19's game with such an impressive streak, last year's result will be fresh on the mind of everyone on the court and in the stands.
Expect a chippy game and Bucks fans to be extra loud for a November contest.
Record Prediction
Don't look now, but the Bucks are slowly developing into a dangerous Eastern Conference team. That's not saying that they are going to storm into the 2016-17 season and challenge for a title, but they should find themselves in the playoffs.
Their central players are young and only getting better, as this is a team that should improve on an offense that was ranked 25th in the league last season:
| Khris Middleton | SG | 24 | 18.2 |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | F | 21 | 16.9 |
| Greg Monroe | C | 26 | 15.3 |
| Jabari Parker | PF | 21 | 14.1 |
| Michael Carter-Williams | PG | 24 | 11.5 |
Kidd forecast his plans on what he would like to do with his bevy of young talent when speaking with WTMJ 620, via Jennifer Fischer:
"We're trying to teach these younger men to be leaders. I'm going to push Giannis (Antetokounmpo) and Jabari (Parker) to be the best. They've accepted that. I've always loved the challenge of proving we can win. Here in Milwaukee, we have that challenge right in front of us. It's hard to win in this league.
"
Antetokounmpo, nicknamed the Greek Freak, is one of the most athletic players in the league, capable of playing any position thanks to his versatility. With the drafting of center Thon Maker, the Bucks will be able to shift Antetokounmpo around more.
While Greg Monroe could have his regular backup in Maker, moving Antetokounmpo will only make the Milwaukee offense harder to stop.
In his second full season, Parker will be looked upon to improve his game even more as he plays under the expectations of being the team's No. 2 overall pick in 2014.
If he can hone his offense further while becoming a stalwart near the basket, the Bucks will be going places in 2016-17.
Record Prediction: 43-39
Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com.
