How many NBA teams have a real chance to win the Eastern Conference?

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 30: Jrue Holiday #21 and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks talk against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on December 30, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3. Milwaukee Bucks

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times, Mike Budenholzer might be looking for a new job.

The Bucks had the best record in the Eastern Conference in each of the past two seasons, but they fell apart when the playoffs rolled around. Between Budenholzer’s questionable rotation decisions — it’s OK to give your best players more minutes in the playoffs, I promise! — and their lack of flexibility on both ends of the court, they’ve lost the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

However, they do still have the two-time reigning MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is somehow flying under the radar this season despite averaging an otherworldly 27.1 points, 11.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists in only 32.8 minutes. Khris Middleton is putting up nearly 20-6-6 while slashing well above the 50/40/90 club, and Jrue Holiday has been a marked upgrade over Eric Bledsoe at the point.

Although the Bucks lost Bledsoe, George Hill and Wesley Matthews this offseason, their replacements have all been faring relatively well.

Donte DiVincenzo stepped into Matthews’ starting spot and is shooting a crisp 40.6 percent from deep. Bryn Forbes is knocking home 47.8 percent of his 3-point attempts off the bench. D.J. Augustin isn’t shooting particularly well (36.4 percent), but he’s been a steady second-unit playmaker. And Bobby Portis is the Bucks’ fourth-leading scorer (11.2 points) despite playing only 21.7 minutes per game.

The Bucks won’t garner nearly as much Finals hype this season given their recent playoff shortcomings, but they remain one of the biggest threats to make it out of the East.

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