[OutsiderFan]

The Bucks just took down the Raptors in Toronto to up their record to 50-8. Brook Lopez had 5 blocks and 15 pts. Robin knocked down just one 3pt in 4 shots, but managed a +11 in 14 floor minutes. These two, especially Brook (who has always been the better player) are integral players on this historically great Bucks team with Brook 2nd in Blocks across the association, helping his team to the NBA’s #1 Defense, and an absurd 12 PPG scoring margin.

I really enjoy watching the Bucks and marvel at the fact Giannis doesn’t even play 30 minutes per game. They are such a deep team, but nobody thinks of them as title contenders. I will be rooting for them to win it all this season.

[OutsiderFan]

The Bucks just took down the Raptors in Toronto to up their record to 50-8. Brook Lopez had 5 blocks and 15 pts. Robin knocked down just one 3pt in 4 shots, but managed a +11 in 14 floor minutes. These two, especially Brook (who has always been the better player) are integral players on this historically great Bucks team with Brook 2nd in Blocks across the association, helping his team to the NBA’s #1 Defense, and an absurd 12 PPG scoring margin.

I really enjoy watching the Bucks and marvel at the fact Giannis doesn’t even play 30 minutes per game. They are such a deep team, but nobody thinks of them as title contenders. I will be rooting for them to win it all this season.

[BostonCard]

You have an odd conception of “nobody” as most people have them with the clearest path to the NBA finals.

BC

[BostonCard]

You have an odd conception of “nobody” as most people have them with the clearest path to the NBA finals.

BC

[OutsiderFan]

You have an odd conception of “nobody” as most people have them with the clearest path to the NBA finals.

BC

Any time I hear sports talk pundits discuss championship favorites, it's always Clippers and Lakers or Lakers and Clippers.  I haven't heard anyone say they believe in the Bucks.

As for me, I am skeptical. Giannis is obviously a freak athlete, and Khris Middleton has become almost elite, and I love their depth, but Giannis only scored 19 against Toronto.  He had 17 rebounds and 8 assists, but he was really neutralized by the Raptors a lot more than you'd expect. He can't go out and give you 40 against the best teams, like a LeBron or KD, or Kawhi. 

Giannis has improved his outside shooting, but he is still a poor FT shooter. It was shocking to me to see him being defended so well by Toronto and even blocked by the reed-thin Chris Boucher last night. These facts give me reservations about crowning the Bucks even though they are putting up crazy good numbers and beat the Raptors in Toronto last night by 11.

[OutsiderFan]

You have an odd conception of “nobody” as most people have them with the clearest path to the NBA finals.

BC

Any time I hear sports talk pundits discuss championship favorites, it's always Clippers and Lakers or Lakers and Clippers.  I haven't heard anyone say they believe in the Bucks.

As for me, I am skeptical. Giannis is obviously a freak athlete, and Khris Middleton has become almost elite, and I love their depth, but Giannis only scored 19 against Toronto.  He had 17 rebounds and 8 assists, but he was really neutralized by the Raptors a lot more than you'd expect. He can't go out and give you 40 against the best teams, like a LeBron or KD, or Kawhi. 

Giannis has improved his outside shooting, but he is still a poor FT shooter. It was shocking to me to see him being defended so well by Toronto and even blocked by the reed-thin Chris Boucher last night. These facts give me reservations about crowning the Bucks even though they are putting up crazy good numbers and beat the Raptors in Toronto last night by 11.

[BostonCard]

I mean, the Lakers and Clippers are still favorites, which is why I said that Bucks have the clearest path to the finals.  But fivethirtyeight gives the Bucks an 18% chance of winning the championship, which is just behind the Clippers (20%) and Lakers (19%).

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/202...edictions/

BC

[BostonCard]

I mean, the Lakers and Clippers are still favorites, which is why I said that Bucks have the clearest path to the finals.  But fivethirtyeight gives the Bucks an 18% chance of winning the championship, which is just behind the Clippers (20%) and Lakers (19%).

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/202...edictions/

BC