The Bucks are 22-28. 6 games back of the #6 seed and a 1/2 game back of the #8 seed in the East. Would you rather see the Bucks get into the playoffs or in the lottery? I would choose playoffs for a couple of reasons:
(1) The Bucks will have 32 games with Khris Middleton back in the lineup (starting Wednesday). It may take some time to get back to where he was, but he has proven to be a consistent scorer from mid-range and beyond the arc (averaging just over 18 ppg last season). A nice compliment to Giannis and Jabari.
(2) A very deep draft, but also a lot of uncertainty with so many one-and-done players. There have been very good NBA players drafted in the late teens of the first round. Giannis was selected at #15. If the Bucks make the lottery, they will likely draft at #12, #13 or #14. Not likely to get a Top 10 pick.
(3) The Plumlee for Hibbert/Hawes trade seems to indicate the Bucks want to also use Free Agency to build a championship roster. Clearly a move to free up cap space. Giannis and Jabari have reached a level of play that will attract free agents. Being a playoff team could be an important selling point to win over a free agent.
(4) The Miami Heat, a bad team, recently won 10 games in a row. Could the Bucks go on a winning streak with Middleton? If so, they could potentially get as high as 5th or 6th in the East. With Giannis, Parker and Middleton....the Bucks could pull off an upset as a #6 or #7 seed. Just avoid the #8 seed and having to play Cleveland.