Milwaukee opened its preseason schedule with a 116-97 loss to Minnesota, a game that split almost evenly between what the bench showed and what foul trouble took away. Off the court, the payroll sits at $193.8 million, comfortably under the luxury line, while last season's -6.1 net rating still frames expectations entering 2026-27.
55
Milwaukee's bench outscored its starters 55-39 in Monday's preseason loss to the Timberwolves. Kel'el Ware led all reserves with 14 points and 12 rebounds in 24 minutes. It says Milwaukee's second unit can produce quickly in October. It does not say who starts once the regular season opens Oct. 21 in Washington.
14
Ryan Rollins fouled out in just 14 minutes against Minnesota, picking up five personal fouls in ten minutes at one stretch. He still finished with 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting. It shows he can score efficiently in short bursts. It does not resolve whether that foul rate follows him once referees tighten up for games that count.
$193.8M
Milwaukee's payroll sits at $193.8 million across the roster, above the $165.0 million cap but under the $200.4 million luxury tax line. Tyler Herro's $33.0 million is the largest single number on the books. It shows the front office left itself room. It does not guarantee any further moves before opening night.
32-50
Last season's record was 32-50, with a net rating of -6.1 that ranked 25th in the league. That mark came with the former core largely intact for just 36 games before coach Doc Rivers resigned. It frames how far this remade roster has to climb. It does not predict where the new group lands, since almost none of last year's rotation remains.
21
Milwaukee's roster stands at twenty-one players after the reported signing of Johni Broome this week. That is one more body for Taylor Jenkins to sort through in four remaining preseason games. It shows camp competition is still wide open. It does not mean all twenty-one make the regular-season roster.
What is Milwaukee's record this preseason?
The Bucks are 0-1, having lost their preseason opener 116-97 to Minnesota on Oct. 5.
Is Milwaukee over the NBA's luxury tax?
No. The Bucks carry a $193.8 million payroll, which is above the $165.0 million salary cap but still under the $200.4 million luxury tax line.
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