Milwaukee Bucks: 5 reasons they will make the playoffs in 2017-18

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 6: John Henson #31 and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks with their teammates stand for the National Anthem before the preseason game against the Chicago Bulls on October 6, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images /

The Milwaukee Bucks made a surprise trip to the playoffs last season. In 2017-18, it will be no surprise when they return to the NBA postseason.

The Milwaukee Bucks have been on a predictable yet frustrating cycle over the past five seasons. One year they surprise and leap into the playoffs, and then follow their success up by falling short of expectations and missing the postseason.

After a 33-49 record in 2015-16, Milwaukee was expected to just miss out on the postseason, especially once Khris Middleton was lost for months due to a hamstring injury. But the pattern demanded that a successful season follow, and the Bucks rode the meteoric rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo to a 42-40 record and a playoff berth.

This season should be a down year for the Bucks, one in which they flop and watch the playoffs from home. But there is growing evidence that the Bucks will not only make the playoffs, but they will buck (get it?) the trend and increase their final record and postseason performance.

While certainly not set in stone, the pieces are there for Milwaukee to sustain last season’s success. From their star player to a healthy supporting cast to a conference filled with opportunity, the Bucks have everything they need. Here’s why this team is a lock for the 2018 NBA Playoffs.

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