Milwaukee Bucks: 3 burning questions following the 2021 preseason
By Dalton Sell
We are just one day away from the return of the regular season basketball, where the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks will host the Brooklyn Nets.
Following the clash between these two in last season’s playoffs, this matchup has been hyped up by fans and media members alike, and for good reason. Still, though this game should have plenty of fireworks, both teams have their fair share of question marks surrounding them. For the Bucks, several questions came into play during their 1-4 preseason run that will likely carry over into the NBA’s regular season opener. With that being said, let us examine the three biggest unknowns for the champs before they take on a familiar foe.
How healthy will the Milwaukee Bucks’ bench be entering the regular season?
The Bucks added some much-needed depth to their bench unit this past offseason, but several of the household names are currently battling with injury.
Fan-favorite big man Bobby Portis did not suit up in the preseason after tweaking his hamstring in the team’s recent scrimmage. Newcomer Semi Ojeleye also did not appear in the preseason as he deals with a lingering calf strain. Finally, the next big question mark is the status of Rodney Hood, who did appear in one preseason game for the Bucks but played just 10 minutes and looked lost.
Although the team is deep, replacing what Portis brings to the table would be a tall task if he is set to miss more time. The big man was essential for Milwaukee’s second unit last season because of his scoring, rebounding, and energetic presence. The Bucks would obviously like to have their most productive bench piece in the mix. As for the newly-signed Ojeleye, his calling card is defense. The forward brings versatility that would be used against such a talented team like the Nets. Coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters on Sunday that neither will be available for the opener, leaving their returns uncertain.
Hood did manage to get some reps in the preseason, but there is no update on his status ahead of opening night. The team will not rush him back after the injuries he has battled with over the past two years, which clouds his potential availability as well. With these three likely to miss some time, the Bucks will have to look elsewhere to fill the void production-wise.