For the first time since 2012-13, the Milwaukee Bucks are entering a season without Giannis Antetokounmpo on the roster. 

It's also the first time in a decade that the Bucks are entering a season without playoff expectations. 

Milwaukee traded the franchise superstar and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, Kasparas Jakučionis, the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft (used to select Nate Ament), unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick. 

The Bucks are coming off a season where they finished 32-50, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16. 

Now, they begin a new era with new faces in hopes of working back to contention in a much-improved Eastern Conference. 

Las Vegas is setting the line on Milwaukee's win total between 24.5 and 26.5 wins, depending on the sportsbook. 

That's a dramatic drop from last year's opening number of 42.5 to 45.5 wins. They fell well short of their win total last season, thanks in part to injuries to Giannis that allowed him to play in only 36 games. 

The team boasts more depth this season with the young additions, but they lack a true superstar who can be counted upon to win them games. 

Kyle Kuzma, Myles Turner, and Gary Trent Jr are returning veterans, but all three are coming off disappointing seasons, and Milwaukee might lean more into their youth given their talent elsewhere. 

Ryan Rollins had a breakout season, averaging 17.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting 40% from three on six attempts. He's going to have even more responsibilities as the lead point guard, but the team around him is slightly better than last year, at least positionally. 

Tyler Herro is a proven scorer, even if his efficiency has been lacking. Jaime Jaquez Jr is an all-around player who could be in for a breakout season with increased opportunity and minutes. Kel'el Ware has shown promising upside as a two-way center and will hopefully grow in a new setting. 

Milwaukee drafted guard Brayden Burries with the tenth overall pick and forward Nate Ament with the thirteenth overall pick in the 2026 draft. Both players will have their growing pains, but they also have a high upside 

26 wins feels a bit too high given the roster turnover, the young players, and a group that just might not mix, especially on the defensive end. Taylor Jenkins is a good coach, and maybe he can get the most out of this group, but the Eastern Conference is better. 

23 wins feels closer to where they will end the season. 

While giving any team a 0% chance of making the playoffs is foolish because injuries can happen and teams can find or lose their way, Milwaukee's chances can't be higher than 5% as a lot would have to go right for them, and wrong for everyone else, for them to make the playoffs.