Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks reacts to the cancellation of the Christmas game

Over the past few seasons, the Milwaukee Bucks have been one of the better teams in the NBA, culminating in them winning the 2021 NBA title against the Phoenix Suns.

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With All-Star power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo at the helm, Milwaukee has become one of the most entertaining teams in the league. Fans typically tune in whenever they can to watch the Bucks play just to catch a glimpse of Antetokounmpo's greatness.

Last season, Milwaukee brought in All-Star point guard Damian Lillard to team with Antetokounmpo. The two stars helped lead the Bucks to the playoffs, but injuries to both players caused problems and Milwaukee was knocked out in the first round by the Indiana Pacers.

Heading into the new season, Milwaukee feels like a team ready to strike in the Eastern Conference, yet NBA schedule makers have not given the Bucks a spot on the annual Christmas Day schedule.

This is the first time since the 2017-18 season that Milwaukee will be out of the spotlight on one of the most important days of the regular season. After the Christmas Day schedule was announced, Antetokounmpo reacted to the fact that the team will not get a game.

The schedule for Christmas Day games was released earlier this week and even though Milwaukee isn't included, the NBA isn't lacking in star power. Here's the full schedule of games:

– San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks
– Minnesota Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks
– Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics
– Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors
– Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns

The Bucks can use this loss as motivation for next season. Had they stayed healthy in the playoffs, one could argue that Milwaukee could really challenge the Celtics in the East.

Milwaukee will begin the new year under head coach Doc Rivers, who joined the team mid-season last year. The continuity with Rivers should help the Bucks get even better, and the players are familiar with his system.

The biggest advantage for the Bucks this season, however, is that Lillard and Antetokounmpo have now played side by side for a year. They've had time to figure out different things on the court, giving them a better chance to dominate this season.

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