The Milwaukee Bucks are getting bitten by the injury bug at the worst possible time. They started their series against the Indiana Pacers without Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a calf strain. They were able to skate by in Game 1, but a monster performance from Pascal Siakam in Game 2 led to a tied series as the series moves to Indianapolis.
Unfortunately, the Bucks are in danger of losing another man in the series. Khris Middleton made a brief exit in Game 2 after an apparent foot injury. Middleton was able to return and finish the game. However, it’s clear that the injury still bothers the star. The Bucks have listed Khris Middleton as “questionable”, per the injury report. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokoumpo is on the injury report as “doubtful”.
What does this mean for the Bucks? Well, Antetokounmpo seems to be a no-go as he continues rehab on his injured calf. As for Middleton, it seems like he will be a game-time decision for the team. Here’s what Doc Rivers had to say about Middleton and Giannis’ injuries on Thursday, from NBA.com.
“It’s another holding-our-breath situation,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said about Middleton’s availability for Friday. “Honestly, I don’t know.”
“He (Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo) did a lot of floor stuff today, probably the most I’ve seen,” Rivers said. “Nothing live. He was shooting and moving today. I saw him moving around and my mindset is he’s getting close,” Rivers said. “Does that mean a day, four days? I’m not sure.”
Bucks playing without their stars
Unfortunately, this scenario isn’t too unfamiliar for the Bucks this season. Their core of Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Damian Lillard has not played a lot of games together, especially towards the end of the season. In the last 35 games, all three have suited up at the same time just three times.
Lillard played out of his mind in Game 1, scoring 35 points in the first half alone to lead the Bucks to a victory. In Game 2, Lillard was a bit more subdued, but he still finished the loss with 34 points on 21 shots along with five assists and four rebounds. Middleton, on the other hand, was seemingly limited by the injury he suffered in the first quarter.
It will not be easy for the Bucks to pull this out moving forward. The Pacers are by no means a pushover. Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton form a mean duo helped out by a solid group behind them. Meanwhile, the Bucks are in danger of playing the series without two of their stars. After losing homecourt advantage in the first two games, Milwaukee wants to regain control of the series by stealing one from Indy on their home floor.
Regardless of whether Middleton or Giannis played, the onus will be on Lillard to carry the load for the team in Game 3. If they do end up playing, both players will most likely be limited in their capabilities. We know that Lillard still has the chops to carve up defenses and carry the team on his back. Can he channel that same energy to buy time for his All-Star teammates to return?
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