NBA Odds: Will Dan Damian Lillard save the Bucks?

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With the 2024-25 NBA season on the horizon, all eyes are on Damian Lillard, a veteran superstar seeking to revitalize the Milwaukee Bucks and offer them one last shot at winning the championship. After a disappointing performance last season, the team finds itself at a crossroads: Can Lillard regain his stellar form, lead the Bucks to the top of the Eastern Conference, and save the NBA odds?

THE STRUGGLES OF THE PAST

Last season, they marked a series of challenges for the Bucks. Defensive problems, questionable tactical changes, a lack of functional depth, and the absence or injuries of their best players in the playoffs were some of the reasons for their underperformance. However, the drop in Lillard’s offensive production was the most concerning factor. Despite averaging 24.3 points and 7 assists per game, his shooting percentages were the lowest in years, and his effectiveness in the pick-and-roll, one of his specialties, decreased considerably.

A RISKY BET

Milwaukee decided to bet everything on Lillard, trading Jrue Holiday and nearly all their draft assets to acquire the veteran’s services. The hope is that last season was just an anomaly and that, with a full year to acclimate to his new environment, Lillard can return to being the dominant player he was in Portland. However, at 34 years old, questions about a possible decline due to age are inevitable.

A CRITICAL SEASON FOR THE BUCKS

This year, the Bucks need more than just an individual improvement from Lillard; they need the entire team to regain its form. With Khris Middleton struggling to stay healthy and Brook Lopez nearing 37, the window of opportunity for Milwaukee is closing quickly. Although Giannis Antetokounmpo remains in his prime, even he has shown signs of wear, especially on the defensive side of the game. With all this in mind, the NBA odds for the Bucks in the 2024-25 season are uncertain and largely dependent on Lillard’s performance.

REASONS FOR OPTIMISM

Despite the challenges, there are reasons for optimism. Lillard remains one of the best players in high-pressure situations, and although last season was not his best, he still showed flashes of his ability to take over a game. In the first round of the playoffs, despite the injuries that affected him and Antetokounmpo, Lillard had brilliant moments, such as a 35-point first half in Game 1. With a full summer to rest and prepare, there is hope that he can strengthen his offensive partnership with Antetokounmpo and lead the Bucks deeper into the playoffs.

MILWAUKEE’S FUTURE IN THE BALANCE

The situation in Milwaukee is critical. The team has sacrificed its future and financial flexibility to win now. With Lillard and Antetokounmpo earning a staggering $127 million in the 2025-26 season, maintaining and improving the team will become increasingly difficult. This is why the pressure on Lillard is more significant than ever; it’s not just about keeping his team competitive but about winning a championship. The NBA odds reflect this uncertainty, but Milwaukee might surprise everyone if Lillard can regain his form.