The Milwaukee Bucks were among the surprise teams last season, carrying a virtually young group which caught many people offguard. But this season, their start could be in for rough sailing, with Jabari Parker and GIannis Antetokounmpo sitting out the first game and maybe a couple of few more.
However, the Bucks have shown that they can buck the odds despite a depleted lineup. Their efforts were enough to catapult them to the playoffs so that achievement alone speaks well for what head coach Jason Kidd has been able to accomplish.
Khris Middleton was a revelation last season and now he gets the chance to continue his wondrous ways. But with Antetokounmpo out for the time-being, he may have to double his efforts for his team.
On the other end, the New York Knicks are a team that many are not expecting a lot from. Apparently, much of that is because they barely got any new faces to beef up their lineup. They did manage to get Arron Afflalo, but he has been ruled out on account of an injury.
So the bulk of the offense is expected to once again fall on the shoulders of Carmelo Anthony. But can he do it alone? Apparently not.
Anthony has not gotten the proper supporting cast, although Afflalo could have been that guy. So how about the other guys? Jose Calderon? Robin Lopez?
How about the controversial rookie pick Kristaps Porzingis?
Porzingis has taken a lot of heat since being selected over other potential prospects, but team president Phil Jackson is standing pat on the decision. Porzingis' lean frame makes him questionable (particularly on the defensive end), although he gets a chance to prove his detractors wrong.
The Milwaukee Bucks host the New York Knicks at the BMO Harris Bradley Center today, Oct. 28, starting at 8 p.m. EST. The game can be watched via live stream here.
