Bucks Tracking Poll Results: Week 21

The disheartening taste of those three West Coast losses may not be completely out of some fans’ mouths, but the Bucks have still won eight of their last dozen. With a loss to Cleveland tonight in Minnesota, Milwaukee would be two games ahead of its Central Division rival for the second seed in the East with a dozen games remaining. According to this week’s Tuesday Tracker, people seem to recognize that the Bucks’ playoff chances are improving, especially with the return of Khris Middleton. Here are the highlights:

• 72% of respondents believe the Bucks will finish among the top two seeds, and a quarter of them think they will move up to third place.
• Nearly half think the Bucks will to have play faster and with more athleticism in these playoffs, although 43% are betting the slower pace of the playoffs will make that unnecessary.
• In an interesting thought experiment, most would trust Doc Rivers (57%) more than Mike Budenholzer (43%) in the playoffs.
• Perhaps reflecting his recent hot spell, 46% of fans surveyed believe Damian Lillard will shoot well (at least 37%) from deep in the playoffs, while he is now up to 36% on the season. 39% think it will be there (between 35 and 37%) while only 15% are bearish.
• Doc’s approval rating improved 9% from last week, converting a few undecided minds.
• Fan confidence in Milwaukee’s title chances increased from 55% to 66%, with 4% fewer believing they can’t win the championship.

Thanks again for voting! Come back Tuesday for another round of questions.