The Milwaukee Bucks arrived at the all-star break with a 22-32 record, not what they were expecting when they gathered for training camp in October.
Chemistry issues, a revamped roster, road woes and defensive struggles all have contributed to the disappointing mark at approximately the two-thirds pole of the season.
But players and coach Jason Kidd gained some belief from two impressive home-court victories — against Boston and Washington — just before the all-star break. Making the playoffs still is the longest of long shots, with the Bucks sitting in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, but they believe they can make a run over the final 28 games.