After a rough 1-6 start, Bucks coach Doc Rivers dismissed concerns about playoff odds, calling early-season stats “silly numbers.”

The Milwaukee Bucks’ rough start to the season continued on Monday, as they dropped their second straight game to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a tight 116-114 loss, falling to a 1-6 record.

NBA reporter Mike Vorkunov noted that since 1970, only 12 out of 150 NBA teams that started 1-6 or worse managed to make the playoffs, with five of those teams reaching the postseason despite a losing record. None of those teams won more than 47 games, leaving the Bucks with a steep challenge ahead.

Despite these statistics, coach Doc Rivers remains confident in the team’s ability to turn things around.

“We will make the playoffs. I’m not worried about that,” he said after Monday’s loss.

When asked about the mood in the locker room, Rivers affirmed that the team’s spirits remain high.

“I think the team’s very positive. I think they’re upbeat,” he said.

“No one wants to lose, we got some tough games coming up, but one win at a time. We win three or four in a row, and then the numbers say, ‘If you’re 5-6, you have an 80% chance to make the playoffs,’ you know. That’s where numbers are so silly sometimes, especially early in the year, and we don’t pay much attention to them.”

The Bucks’ poorest start since their 1-5 start in the 2000–01 season occurred with the defeat to Cleveland. Giannis Antetokounmpo, a standout for Milwaukee, was sidelined by a right adductor injury.

If Giannis and Damian Lillard’s combination doesn’t result in a strong championship run, there are already rumors that he would try to force a trade. Possible landing locations? According to Bill Reiter of CBS Sports, Miami and Brooklyn have both been mentioned as potential options.