Milwaukee Bucks: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 schedule release

Revenge will have to wait for awhile

After leaping out to a 1-0 and 2-1 advantage over the Toronto Raptors in last season’s Eastern Conference playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks gave up their lead and ultimately lost in the first round in six games. The final matchup was a heartbreaker for the Bucks, who stormed back from down 25 in the third quarter to briefly take the lead, only to lose the game and the series a few minutes later.

This offseason the Bucks held the course, while the Raptors shuffled a few pieces but almost certainly became worse. Not only are the Bucks gunning for revenge, they are gunning for home-court advantage in the playoffs and a chance to pass by the aging Raptors.

Their first shot at the team won’t come until 2018, as the first of three matchups between the teams is scheduled for Jan. 1. Milwaukee will fly to Toronto for their New Year’s Day showdown, with a roster relatively the same as the one that almost upset the Raptors in the playoffs. Toronto will then return the favor and fly to Milwaukee for a rematch just four days later.

Whether the Bucks and their young superstar can pass the Raptors in the playoff race is a season-long question. But the opportunity to face the Raptors and avenge a bitter loss is a matter for individual games. While they will have to wait a few months for the chance, it could make the moment that much sweeter for the Bucks and their fans.