Bucks injury concerns grow with two key players set to miss Game 3 in Indiana
Milwaukee head to Indiana with the series all square at 1-1 ahead of two games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Following confirmation that the Bucks are set to be without Giannis Antetokounmpo for Game 3 of the best-of-seven Playoff series against Indiana Pacers, there is further bad news for Milwaukee fans with the confirmation that power forward Khris Middleton has been as good as ruled out with a sprained ankle.
Khris Middleton went to the locker room momentarily after an apparent ankle injury, per the Bucks.
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 24, 2024
He's back on the bench but has yet to return to the game. pic.twitter.com/2ZZEIf0yyQ
Middleton missed practice on Thursday and the Thursday NBA’s injury report listed Antetokounmpo as doubtful and Middleton as questionable for Friday’s game.
“It’s another holding-our-breath situation,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said about Middleton’s availability for Friday. “Honestly, I don’t know.”
The Bucks will have to call upon the other key players in the team with hopes set to be deposited in Damian Lillard to maintain his rich run of form. The former Trailblazer scored all 35 of his points in the first half in the series opener before scoring 26 of his 34 points over the first two quarters on Tuesday.
Bobby Portis will also be handed added responsibility in the probable absence of Giannis and Middleton being missing with the Arkansas native bagging 14 points and 11 rebounds in Game 2.
A sixth man appreciation post for Bobby Portis. pic.twitter.com/IqGIIao8Tq
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 24, 2024