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Brew Hoop

Milwaukee Bucks News and Analysis Since 2007

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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers Preview & Game Thread: Season’s just started

The Milwaukee Bucks, sitting 0-3 after losses to Washington, Chicago and Philadelphia, host the 2-1 Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on Oct. 26. The Bucks must address a league‑worst 129 PPG defense, while Indiana returns a healthy Tyrese Haliburton (21.7 PPG, 9.7 APG) and hot Pascal Siakam (24.7 PPG, 6 RPG). Pacers’ starting center Ivica Zubac is doubtful after an ankle sprain, giving Jay Huff a chance to start. Key storylines include the Hali‑Siakam partnership and the Bucks’ need a win to start a three‑game home stretch. Game kicks off 7 p.m. CDT, streaming on MY24.

Bucks Reacts Survey Results: Half of fans’ feelings about the team have changed, half haven’t

A recent Brew Hoop poll reveals that after a 2-3 preseason, 48% of Milwaukee Bucks fans feel their optimism is unchanged, 38% say it has waned, and only 14% feel more hopeful. Comments highlight concerns about key players like Ware and Jaquez Jr., while noting promising performances from newcomers Burries, Ament and Jakucionis. The consensus points to a “wash” in the preseason, with many fans viewing the campaign as a retool year and waiting for roster moves to shape the team’s identity.

Winners & Sinners: Week 1

Brew Hoop launches its weekly "Winners & Sinners" feature, spotlighting the Milwaukee Bucks after their opening games. Jaime Jaquez Jr. earns the inaugural Most Valuable Buck award with 20.7 PPG on 61% shooting, 8.7 RPG and 3.7 APG, while Kyle Kuzma claims the Defensive Belt for a team‑leading 27 rebounds (21 defensive). Tyler Herro’s highlight play—curling around Myles Turner for a dunk and drawing a flagrant‑1 foul—wins the Run That Back poster. The People’s Champ goes to commenter naveed2000s for breaking news on a possible Kristaps Porziņģis trade. Sinners include Myles Turner’s slump (7.7 PPG, –11.0 plus/minus) and concerns about Ryan Rollins’ offensive rhythm.

Bucks vs. 76ers Player Grades: Ware finally comes to the party, Turner forgets his invite in gallant effort

The Bucks fall 127-116 to the 76ers in Philadelphia, but the game stays tighter than the score suggests. Rookie Kel’el Ware finally shines, posting 19 points, 13 rebounds and a B+ grade, while Myles Turner struggles with a disastrous F grade after a turnover‑laden 20‑minute stretch. Jaime Jaquez Jr. delivers a solid 21‑point, 8‑rebound effort (B+), and Kyle Kuzma adds a double‑double. Tyler Herro and Ryan Rollins hover in the C‑range, and the rest of the roster receives mixed marks. The recap includes a six‑minute audio rundown on the Bucks+ podcast and a link to the full game summary.

Bucks vs. 76ers Player Grades: Ware finally comes to the party, Turner forgets his invite in gallant effort

The Bucks fall 127-116 to a still‑contending 76ers in Philadelphia, but the game stays tighter than the score suggests. Rookie Kel'el Ware finally shines with 19 points, 13 rebounds and a B+ grade, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. drops 21 and earns a B+. In contrast, Myles Turner’s 20‑minute, zero‑point night earns an F as his miscues cost Milwaukee. Ryan Rollins (C+), Tyler Herro (C-), and Kyle Kuzma (C+) post modest numbers. The piece includes a full game recap and a six‑minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast.

Rapid Recap: 76ers 127, Bucks 116

The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 127‑116 on Oct. 24, 2026, moving the Bucks to 0‑3 on the road. Joel Embiid led Philly with 28 points, while Tyrese Maxey (26) and Jaylen Brown (27) powered a second‑half surge that sealed the win. Milwaukee’s top scorer was Jaime Jaquez Jr. with 21 points, plus Kel’el Ware’s 19‑13 double‑double and Ryan Rollins’ 15. Despite a strong rebound effort – 62 boards versus 42 for Philly – the Bucks couldn’t overcome the Sixers’ mid‑range shooting and clutch plays, including Maxey’s half‑court buzzer‑beater and Brown’s late three. The loss highlights Milwaukee’s rebounding improvement but underscores defensive lapses.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Preview & Game Thread: David vs. Goliath?

The Milwaukee Bucks head to Philadelphia on Oct. 24, 2026, to face a stacked 76ers lineup featuring LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey, who is averaging 30 points, 5.5 assists and 2.5 steals. The 76ers are 2‑0, winning despite poor shooting, thanks to aggressive play and a league‑leading 28.5 free‑throw attempts per game. The Bucks, 0‑2, must tighten point‑of‑attack defense and avoid fouls after a close loss to Chicago. Injuries leave LeBron questionable and several 76ers out. Projected starters pit Ryan Rollins against Maxey, with Brayden Burries expected to contribute 18 off the bench.

Bucks vs. Bulls Player Grades: Ryan Rollins’ early-season struggles persist in regrettable loss

The Milwaukee Bucks lose a winnable 132-125 game to the Chicago Bulls, with turnovers and missed free throws proving costly. Rookie Ryan Rollins struggles again, posting 11 points on 3‑of‑9 shooting, six turnovers and earning a D grade. In contrast, Tyler Herro shines with 34 points on 12‑of‑24 shooting and an A‑ grade, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributes 19 points, 11 rebounds and a B. Kyle Kuzma adds 14 points and a B‑, but Myles Turner’s 12 points and five blocks aren’t enough, leading to a D rating. The review highlights the Bucks’ early-season issues as they face tougher playoff‑bound opponents.

Rapid Recap: Bulls 132, Bucks 125

The Milwaukee Bucks slip to a 0-2 start after a 132-125 home loss to the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 23, 2026. Tyler Herro, now in a Bucks jersey, leads with 34 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Norman Powell (25) and Caleb Wilson (21) power the Bulls. The game sees multiple lead changes, a crucial late free‑throw disparity (Bucks 14/26, Bulls 26/28), and a controversial blocking foul on Kasparas Jakučionis that helps Chicago seal the win. Despite a late Herro surge, Milwaukee cannot overcome the Bulls' shooting rhythm and falters in the fourth quarter.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls Preview & Game Thread: Fans, meet the young Bucks

The Bucks face the Bulls in a crucial preseason showdown at Fiserv Forum on Oct. 23, 2026, with both teams eager for a win before a daunting schedule. Milwaukee, holding a clean injury slate, must adapt to Chicago’s high‑tempo style driven by Josh Giddey and Norman Powell, while staying mindful of the Bulls’ pace‑centric offense. Chicago, reeling from a 135‑92 loss to the Raptors, deals with several injuries (Nic Claxton out, others questionable) and leans on rookie Leonard Miller, who is averaging 17.3 points and shooting 54.5% from three in the preseason. The preview highlights Kel’el Ware’s potential to dominate the smaller Bulls frontcourt, projecting a 15‑point, 12‑rebounds performance as the key to Milwaukee’s success.

Milwaukee Bucks NBA 2K27 simulation: Part 1

Brew Hoop runs two NBA 2K27 simulations to gauge the Milwaukee Bucks' fate after a disastrous real‑life roster. In the user‑controlled scenario, the Bucks start by waiving Pete Nance and field a surprising lineup—Kevin Porter Jr., Tyler Herro, Kyle Kuzma, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’el Ware. By the All‑Star break they sit 13th in the East (18‑41) after a 3‑21 start, trading Myles Turner for Draymond Green. Tyler Herro leads with 18.4 PPG, Kel’el Ware posts 10.4 RPG and 1.8 BPG, and Ryan Rollins tops assists. The Bucks finish 31‑51, just missing the play‑in, but improve defensively to 16th in the league. Off‑season moves include promoting Darvin Ham and losing key pieces to free agency, hinting at a rebuilding future.

Bucks vs. Wizards Player Grades: “The Heat package” leads in encouraging loss

The Milwaukee Bucks fall 128-116 to a revitalized Washington Wizards despite controlling much of the game. The "Heat package"—Tyler Herro (24 points, 9 assists) and Jaime Jaquez Jr. (22 points, 7 rebounds)—combined for 68 points, but the Bucks couldn’t protect an eight‑point lead. Player grades reveal Ryan Rollins slipping to a D‑, Herro earning a B‑ for his playmaking, Jaquez receiving a B for efficient scoring and defense, and Kyle Kuzma struggling with a woeful performance. The article critiques the Bucks' frantic, rushed style and previews a rematch on Friday, with a full game recap and a six‑minute podcast available.

Rapid Recap: Wizards 128, Bucks 116

The Washington Wizards debut the season with a 128-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, ending Milwaukee's post‑Giannis opening night loss. Anthony Davis dominates, dropping 34 points and nine rebounds, while the Wizards outpaint the Bucks 70-50 in the fourth quarter. Tyler Herro leads Milwaukee with 24 points and nine assists, and bench scorer Kasparas Jakucionis adds 15, but turnovers and 32 fouls (41 free‑throw attempts) cripple the Bucks. Jaime Jaquez Jr. sparks Washington with 22 points and seven rebounds, earning a call for a larger role. The win highlights Washington’s strong interior play and Milwaukee’s early‑season growing pains.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Washington Wizards Preview & Game Thread: Two new eras begin

The Bucks kick off a new era tonight, playing their first game without Giannis Antetokounmpo in 13 years against a reloaded Washington Wizards. Milwaukee entered preseason 2‑3, focusing on defense and rebounding under coach Taylor Jenkins, while Washington emerges from a rebuild highlighted by a lottery pick AJ Dybantsa (out with an ankle injury) and a blockbuster trade that landed Trae Young, Anthony Davis and Deandre Ayton. The preview flags key injuries (Nate Ament probable, several Wizards players sidelined) and identifies Young as the primary player to watch. If the Bucks execute selfless, defensive basketball, they stand a good chance to beat a Wizards squad still finding its identity.

Join us for the 2026-27 Bucks season on the SB Nation app

Brew Hoop announces that the SB Nation app, now live in North America and rolling out globally, lets Bucks fans join a real‑time game chat, post and read comments faster, and see community Feed posts alongside site articles. After a busy preseason test, the app has set single‑day commenting records three times in recent weeks. Available for iOS and Android, it promises fewer ads, seamless community navigation, and instant notifications for replies—making the 2026‑27 Bucks season more interactive.

NBA Opening Day open thread

Brew Hoop’s opening‑day thread previews the six NBA games kicking off on Oct. 20, 2026, while the Milwaukee Bucks wait to debut against Washington tomorrow. Highlights include Boston vs. Detroit at 2 p.m. CT (NBC/Peacock), the newly‑formed Philadelphia 76ers—now featuring Jaylen Brown after his trade—taking on the Knicks at 6 p.m., and OKC versus the Spurs at 8:30 p.m. with Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and rookie Victor Wembanyama in the mix. The post also notes a media‑day photo of Brown, Embiid, LeBron and others, and invites fans to drop comments throughout the day.

Bucks preseason notebook

After five preseason games, the Milwaukee Bucks show both promise and growing pains under coach Kyle Jenkins. Rebounding spikes dramatically—offensive boards jump to 35.9% (5th in the league) and defensive boards to 69.5% (15th)—fueling a surge to third‑most field‑goal attempts (94.2 per game) and third‑most three‑point tries (46.4 per game). The pace improves to 10th (104.5) and shot‑blocking climbs to 5.4 BPG (10th). Yet the Bucks still rank near the bottom in offensive rating (28th) and defensive rating (22nd), with shooting accuracy (30th) and fast‑break defense (29th) lagging. Kel’el Ware’s lackluster effort and attitude spark debate, while rookie Brayden Burries and Ousmane Dieng earn early trust as key substitutes. The notebook outlines these trends as the team heads into the regular season.

Bucks sign Pete Nance to (another) two-way deal

The Milwaukee Bucks re‑signed forward Pete Nance to a two‑way contract for a third season, marking his final year of two‑way eligibility. After briefly waiving him to meet roster limits, the team secured Nance before another club could snap him up, avoiding a costly standard deal. Coach Mike Budenholzer plans to use Nance primarily with the Bucks rather than the G League Herd, despite his solid 2025‑26 stats of 5.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 42% from three in 15.7 minutes per game.

Bucks waive Kevin Porter Jr.

The Milwaukee Bucks waive 26‑year‑old guard Kevin Porter Jr. minutes before the 4 p.m. roster deadline, trimming their squad to 15 players. Porter, who posted 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists over 36 starts in 2025‑26, opts into a $5.39 M player option before becoming a free agent. His turbulent career includes a 2019 trade, a volatile stint with Houston, legal issues, and short‑term contracts with Oklahoma City, a year in Greece, and the LA Clippers. With a crowded guard room bolstered by Tyler Herro, Brayden Burries, Kasparas Jakucionis and Ryan Rollins, the Bucks likely would have limited his minutes. Porter now seeks a new team where his offense can thrive.

Bucks Reacts Survey: Has your level of optimism changed after the preseason?

SB Nation Reacts surveys Bucks fans after the team’s 2-3 preseason run. While newcomers Brayden Burris and Nate Ament impressed (Ament later suffered an ankle injury) and Ryan Rollins showed progress, coach Taylor Jenkins earned praise for his tactical direction. However, the Bucks struggled in stretches, and high‑profile additions like Kel’el Ware and veterans Trent, Kuzma, and Turner delivered inconsistent performances. The poll asks whether fans’ optimism has shifted now that the preseason is over and the regular season looms.

Rulebook: 2026-27 NBA points of emphasis and areas of focus

The NBA’s 2026‑27 officiating rulebook rolls out five key points of emphasis ahead of Opening Day on Oct. 20. Officials will clamp down on players using their off‑arm to push defenders, and illegal two‑handed screens will be penalized after a surge of fouls by players like Jericho Sims. Flopping now triggers a non‑unsportsmanlike technical plus a free throw if it meets the STEM (Secondary, Theatrical, Exaggerated, Movement) criteria. Coaches and defenders must avoid reckless closeouts and stop wasting time after fouls, or face delay‑of‑game penalties. Brew Hoop breaks down each rule with video links and examples, letting fans see how the changes could impact teams such as the Bucks and Kings.

Jon Horst, what have you got?

With opening night (for the Bucks) just three days away, I want to highlight something we haven’t really talked about in much depth yet: this will be the first time we’ll see a Jon Horst-constructed team without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Moreover, this marks the first rebuild Horst has ever spearheaded (even if nobody wants to call […]

Bucks request waivers on Pete Nance, Johni Broome, and Jake Stephens

The Milwaukee Bucks have made the first of two moves needed to trim their roster to 15 standard contracts ahead of the 4:00 p.m. CT deadline on October 19, requesting waivers on Pete Nance, Johni Broome, and Jake Stephens. The Bucks announced the news via a media release and also on X: We have requested […]

Bucks Reacts Survey Results: Fans conflicted on how to finalise roster

The question that’s stuck on everyone’s lips like a remnant of American cheese after a gluttonous stop at the drive-thru, “How will the Milwaukee Bucks trim their roster to 15 by opening night?”, continues to bemuddle Bucks fans. We mostly agree on removing the dead wood, but there’s reason to keep that around too. We […]

Preseason Rapid Recap: Bucks 128, Pacers 127 (OT)

The Milwaukee Bucks won a nail-biter against the Indiana Pacers in overtime! Tyler Herro led the Bucks with 25 points on 10/16 shooting (5/7 from deep), while Pascal Siakam dazzled for the Pacers with 24 on 8/10 shooting in less than 20 minutes. It was Kasparas Jakucionis, though, who stole the show late and basically […]