Milwaukee Bucks schedule 2013: Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings return

Whether the overhaul works remains to be seen, but it seems unlikely that the Bucks will return to the playoffs in an Eastern Conference that should be improved from a year ago.

Nov. 9 vs. Dallas Mavericks - Monta Ellis makes his first return to Milwaukee as a member of the Mavericks. Ellis has gone on record saying he didn’t enjoy his time with the Bucks, so it will be interesting to see the type of reaction he gets from the crowd. It likely won’t be very positive. O.J. Mayo also faces his team from a year ago.

Dec. 4 vs. Detroit Pistons - Brandon Jennings, Ellis’ old backcourt mate, makes his return to Milwaukee. After negotiations with Jennings broke down, the Bucks shipped the young point guard to Detroit and received Brandon Knight, who replaces him at point guard. Detroit is one of the improved teams that could jump ahead of Milwaukee in terms of the playoff race.

Jan. 10 vs. Chicago Bulls - The Bucks and Bulls square off in a Central Division battle that sees Mike Dunleavy return to Milwaukee after a solid two-year stint with the team. And as always, Bulls fans are sure to make their voices heard at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

Jan. 27 vs. Los Angeles Clippers - J.J. Redick and the Clippers make their one trip to Milwaukee this season. Redick spent less than half a year with the Bucks after a trade with the Orlando Magic, and the guard saw his minutes dwindle in the postseason. Redick should play a major role for the Clippers, who expect to be in title contention. The game also finds Caron Butler facing his former team. Butler was traded from L.A. to Phoenix and then from Phoenix to Milwaukee, all this summer.

From Dec. 7 to Dec. 18, Milwaukee plays against Brooklyn, San Antonio, Dallas, New York and twice against the Chicago Bulls. And there’s a significantly more difficult run in January. The Bucks play at home against Golden State and Chicago before hitting the road for four of the next five games against the Thunder, Raptors, Grizzlies, Rockets and Spurs.

The Bucks have a two-week string of games against teams likely to miss the playoffs and a few who would be lucky to sneak in. Starting on Nov. 20, they play the Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers before competing in eight games against the Celtics, Bobcats, Pistons and Wizards, twice each.

Back-to-backs: 21

Season opener: Oct. 30 at New York Knicks

Home opener: Nov. 2 vs. Toronto Raptors

Longest road trip: Four games (March 18-24)

Longest homestand: Six games (Feb. 8-22)