Predicting where the Pacers will finish in the Eastern Conference next season

4. Milwaukee Bucks

Once we get past the top three of the Eastern Conference, the rest of the standings look much more competitive. Currently, the Milwaukee Bucks look like the team with the best chance remaining to finish in the top four of the standings.

Last season, the Bucks made headlines by acquiring star guard Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. Following the trade, many expected the Bucks and Celtics to be competing for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

While this was sort of true for much of the season, as the Bucks were the No. 2 seed for most of the year, it was pretty clear they were not going to be on Boston's level last season.

The Bucks finished with a 49-33 record and ultimately fell to the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference going into the playoffs. Ultimately, they lost to the Pacers in the first round. Milwaukee was, however, without star Giannis Antetokounmpo for the entire series.

What might have really done them in was their coaching change during the season. After 43 games, the Bucks fired first-year coach Adrian Griffin, despite having a 30-13 record, in favor of Doc Rivers. With Rivers, the Bucks went 17-19.

Although last season was underwhelming for Milwaukee, they should be better next season. They added some solid veterans like Gary Trent Jr., Delon Wright, and Taurean Prince. Additionally, the Bucks will now have a full offseason and year with Rivers at the helm.

Ultimately, the Antetokounmpo-Lillard pairing is still one of the most dangerous duos in the NBA on paper. Because of this, it is difficult to rank them lower than fourth.