NBA 2018-19: Eastern Conference Power Rankings Week 8

#3) Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks v Golden State Warriors

Although Giannis Antetokounmpo is making an almost indisputable MVP case, the Bucks have taken half a step back after their league-best form was on display to start the season.

Milwaukee sit at 17-8 to be second in the Eastern Conference, but they have been slowly sliding down the standings since they were at 7-0 in the early days of the season.

On the plus side, Giannis has been incredible, and the Bucks have done well to surround him with three-point shooters and become the best three-point shooting team in the league at 14.3 made threes per game. Malcolm Brogdon and Khris Middleton at 48% and 40.7% from long range respectively are leading the way for the Bucks, while Brook Lopez, Eric Bledsoe, and Tony Snell are all shooting above 35%.

Milwaukee's lineup consistency is playing a big part in their steady play, they have had the same starting lineup in 23 out of their 25 games and three of their starters haven't missed a game; Giannis and Middleton have each missed one game.

This team will go exactly as far as Giannis takes them, but at the moment that doesn't look like a trip to the finals. Their gutsy win in Toronto on Sunday was impressive, but can it be the momentum shifter which will make rival teams fear the deer?