2023–24 Milwaukee Bucks season

On May 4, 2023, the Bucks fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after five seasons with the team, including winning the 2021 NBA Finals as head coach, after a disappointing first round exit last season to the eight–seeded and eventual Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat.

[2] On September 27, 2023, 7-time NBA All-Star point guard Damian Lillard was traded to Milwaukee as part of a three-team trade that sent Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, and a 2029 first-round draft pick to the Portland Trail Blazers, and Grayson Allen, Jusuf Nurkić, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson to the Phoenix Suns.

However, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a calf injury at the end of the season, causing him to miss the first round matchup against the Pacers in the playoffs.

[7][8] During the in-season tournament period, the Bucks competed in Group B of the Eastern Conference, which included the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets.

The Bucks compiled a 4–0 record in the qualifying stage and earned the 1 seed through a higher point differential than the Pacers.