Apr 25, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) on the bench as the clock counts down against the Indiana Pacers during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images / Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Winning 48 games and finishing with the sixth-best net rating in the NBA (plus-4.7) is a positive sign. New head coach Tuomas Iisalo might help unlock the best versions of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.

Both the Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs, courtesy of the Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers, respectively.Many basketball fans and experts,