John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Bucks forward Jae Crowder sustained a left adductor and abdominal tear that will sideline him for about two months, the team announced.

Milwaukee has struggled defensively in the early season, with Crowder being one of the few bright spots in that area.

Crowder left Saturday’s game vs the Magic with what the team initially called a groin strain.

“Sports can be brutal at times,” Bucks coach Adrian Griffin said before Monday’s game against the Bulls, via Jamal Collier of ESPN. “(Crowder) came into training camp in phenomenal shape — mind, body and spirit — and he’s a tremendous piece of what we’re trying to do moving forward.”

Crowder was acquired at the trade deadline in February. Where there didn’t seem to be a regular role in 18 games last season, he has been a key reserve under Griffin, in his first year as Bucks coach.

“He’ll be back,” Griffin said of  Crowder. “He’ll be back way before the playoffs to get his rhythm back.”

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump