4 Biggest Takeaways from the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2025-26 Schedule Release
The full NBA schedule is finally here, and fans can officially circle their calendars for the matchups that matter most. For the Milwaukee Bucks, the 2025-26 campaign comes with plenty of intrigue. After waiving Damian Lillard following two forgettable seasons and moving on from longtime center Brook Lopez, the franchise retooled its roster with a surprisingly strong offseason.
The Bucks added Myles Turner as a defensive anchor and offensive upgrade at center, retained key contributors like Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, and Taurean Prince, and brought in Cole Anthony and Gary Harris from Orlando. On paper, the roster looks playoff-ready — and the schedule gives them a pathway to prove it.
Here are the four biggest takeaways from Milwaukee’s slate:
1. The Bucks Have a Favorable Start
Milwaukee’s opening stretch looks manageable. Before their first national TV game on October 28 against the New York Knicks, the Bucks face the Wizards, Raptors, and Cavaliers — all beatable opponents. That could translate into a 2-1 or 3-0 start if they handle business.
Through their first 15 games, Milwaukee only plays on national television twice. Instead of seeing it as disrespect, it’s more likely the NBA wants them to build momentum before hitting the spotlight. Ten of those early games are against teams that either missed the playoffs or are projected to regress, giving Giannis Antetokounmpo and company a chance to pile up wins early.
2. The Bucks-Pacers Rivalry Loses Its Spark
With Tyrese Haliburton out for the season, one of the Eastern Conference’s most exciting rivalries cools down. None of the Bucks’ four matchups against Indiana will be nationally televised, a major drop-off after the heated battles of recent years.
The November 3 matchup in Indiana — which also marks Myles Turner’s return against his former team — might have been a headline game in the past. But without Haliburton, the NBA clearly doesn’t see the same juice in this matchup. Unless the Pacers exceed expectations or tension builds around Turner’s departure, this rivalry looks shelved for a season.
3. Giannis Faces a Midseason Test
The NBA season can feel like a grind in the middle months, and Milwaukee won’t get a pass. Between January and March, the Bucks face several heavyweight matchups against playoff-caliber teams. These stretches will be key in determining whether the Bucks are true contenders or simply a middle-tier playoff squad.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will be leaned on heavily during these runs, and how well the supporting cast of Turner, Portis, and Trent Jr. step up could decide their seeding.
4. A Strong Closing Stretch Could Secure Playoff Positioning
If the Bucks find themselves needing wins late in the year, their closing schedule gives them an opportunity to climb. A tough stretch in late March and early April includes two games against the Clippers, plus battles with the Spurs, Rockets, and Celtics. But the final week looks manageable: two games against the Nets and a finale against the Sixers, a team that could be either dangerous or in disarray depending on their health.
With possible star rest days on the horizon for teams like the Clippers and Celtics, Milwaukee could capitalize and finish strong. The NBA clearly expects the Bucks to be in the playoff mix come April.
Final Thoughts
The 2025-26 Bucks aren’t the same team fans have seen in recent years, but their schedule gives them every chance to make a statement. The early runway, softened rivalry with the Pacers, midseason challenges, and favorable closing stretch combine to create a path where Milwaukee could surprise skeptics and secure a strong playoff spot.
For a team in transition, the Bucks have enough firepower — and enough schedule breaks — to stay in the hunt this season.
