Size will make a big difference for Milwaukee this year

Both Brook Lopez, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton were a part of the Bucks last season when they fell in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but with the additions of Bobby Portis and P.J. Tucker, they have the size and strength to give either Brooklyn or Boston a big challenge to deal with in the next round this year. 

We all know what Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton can do when they get inside the paint, but with the added contributions of guys like Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis on the offensive-end of the floor, the Bucks have everything they need to dominate the points in the paint category. 

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Lopez averaged 15.8 points per game in this series against the Heat and with him making a difference on the glass as well, the Bucks are a tough-minded interior team to guard. Bobby Portis also was a big contributor off-the-bench, scoring in double-figures in three of the four games against Miami. 

One of the biggest weaknesses of the Nets is their ability to defend the paint, which is why Milwaukee could have a huge advantage in their next series. Giannis Antetokounmpo was a force against Miami in the paint and if Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis and others can crash the glass and create second-chance opportunities, then the Bucks could be unstoppable. 

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Milwaukee was not that great of a team last year in terms of size, as they oftentimes got bullied in the paint, but this year, they are a team that can not only put their head down and get to the rim on offense, but they are one of the best three-point shooting teams as well. 

Second-chance opportunities can easily lead to open shots from the perimeter for them and given their team percentage from deep, it is almost a given three points for them if they get open looks from the three-point line.